MUCHELNEY residents celebrated the opening of their new raised road at the weekend.

Local youngsters helped Cllr John Osman, leader of Somerset County Council, cut the ribbon to declare the 500m stretch of road open on Saturday.

The road has been raised by up to 1.2m in places so it stays open even in the event of flooding on the same scale as seen last winter.

 

Bridgwater Mercury:

 

The county council project was funded by the Department for Transport and undertaken as part of the 20-Year Somerset Levels and Moors Flood Action Plan.

Cllr Osman said: “It was great to see so many villagers who made it clear just what this project means to Muchelney.

“It’s not just a village – it’s a thriving community with residents of all ages and several businesses.

“That’s why this road, which will protect access to the village, is so important and why I’m so delighted it has been delivered in a fraction of the time a scheme like this would usually take.”

 

Bridgwater Mercury:

 

After the ribbon cutting and sharing of locally produced cider donated by the Somerset Cider Brandy Company, many villagers took their first walk on the finished road, which should ensure that their homes are not cut off by flooding again.

Alastair Mullineux, chair of the parish meeting, said: “The opening of the raised road in and out of Muchelney was a momentous occasion for residents.

“We’re no longer an island and even in extreme flood will be able to have access at all times.

“This is a great relief to us all, but particularly those who leave the village to work and children going to school.

“I’d like to thank all those involved in getting this project completed in a short time.

 

Bridgwater Mercury:

 

Though most of the village escaped the flooding last winter, Muchelney was cut off for around ten weeks when all four roads into the village were submerged. Residents required the use of a ferry to nearby Langport for more than nine weeks.