EMERGENCY flood defences have gone up to cope with the rising tide of the River Parrett which is due to hit the same level as it did back in the winter.

The Environment Agency sent out a warning to councils and other agencies last week about the rising water levels which are due to peak at 5.5 metres in Bridgwater.

Although these levels caused flooding in Blake Gardens back in January, February and March, circumstances this time are much more favourable as the ground is a lot less saturated after sunny weather in June and July.

High tides are expected to continue to rise today and tomorrow after torrential rain fell over the weekend and yesterday. Sedgemoor District Council has decided to put up temporary flood defences in Blake Gardens as a precaution but is not expecting any major flooding to hit the town this time.

The council acted after weather forecasts warned that the tail end of Hurricane Bertha was due to affect parts of the UK on Sunday.

Permanent barriers are still being built to serve the town and were not ready in time to cope with the latest bout of stormy weather to hit the area.

The district council’s £30,000 flood defence scheme is still in the process of being built and will not be completed until later this month.

The Environment Agency stepped in to help the council by loaning their defences.