CONSERVATIVE MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has called for ministers to give top priority to a flood barrage across the River Parrett downstream in Bridgwater.

The project could cost up to £30m but would protect property worth £2bn and Mr Liddell-Grainger believes it is a vital part of the plan to prevent a repeat of the disastrous flooding the hit the Somerset Levels in early 2014.

Some engineering work has been done to protect vulnerable communities including raising road levels, improving drainage channels and installing flood-proof bunds.

But Mr Liddell-Grainger, Conservative member for Bridgwater and West Somerset believes there are some areas which only a barrage could protect.

He said that although discussions were still ongoing and there were no guarantees, he hopes the project will be given approval in the next few months.

Management of Somerset's rivers has been transferred from the Environment Agency to a newly-created local rivers authority which will be funded through a levy on local authorities.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said with climate change predicted to bring increased rainfall it was vital to have an integrated flood management plan for the entire county.

"The problems on the Levels are different from those around the Exmoor fringes," Mr Liddell-Grainger said.

"But at the end of the day there is a common risk: flooding. We must have a strategic plan in place to mitigate it effects where possible and deal with it quickly and efficiently when it happens," he added.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said that for the most vulnerable areas on the Levels the Parrett barrage has become a top priority.