WORK on anti-flooding measures at Dunball Sluice costing £1.5million have now been completed.

The Environment Agency has finished work on the purposebuilt structure which will speed up flows in King’s Sedgemoor Drain during periods of high tide.

This will then allow flood water to be pumped from the Somerset Levels and Moors more quickly.

The work will also make it easier to install temporary pumps at the sluice in the event flooding.

Robbie Williams, from the Environment Agency, said: “This work will allow us to deploy pumps much quicker and with less disruption to the local community.

“This is part of a wide programme of work that is helping to reduce the risk of flooding on the Somerset Levels and Moors.”

Dunball Sluice is closed at high tide preventing the flow of water out of the King’s Sedgemoor Drain into the Parrett estuary.

A temporary platform was constructed at Dunball during the winter of 2013/14 when more than 90 million tonnes of water covered the Somerset Levels and Moors covering an estimated 122 square kilometres.

Situated close to the Severn estuary, where the King’s Sedgemoor Drain enters the River Parrett, Dunball is located at a critical position at the lowest point of a river system that drains most of Somerset.

The work, that started last September, included the construction of a reinforced concrete platform, installation of sheet piles, rock armour and a new concrete capping beam.

Drainage channels have also been installed in the platform to ensure any water, oil or fuel is captured.

An access ramp has also been built to allow easier access from the adjacent Environment Agency compound.

The improvements at Dunball form part of the 20 Year Somerset Flood Action Plan which will see £12million worth of repairs and enhancements to flood defences across Somerset.