WEEKLY charges of up to £20,000 could mount up if there are delays in carrying out work to stop a route near Bridgwater flooding.


Timescales to dig channels under the A372 from Othery to Aller at Beer Wall are are said to be tight to ensure the work is done before the area is vulnerable to flooding again in the winter months.


The site would have to be protected should the work not be completed.


In a document sent to Sedgemoor District council, there are fears raised that there could be huge charges if there is a delay for the contractors finishing the second phase of the project and starting the third phase.


These coats could wipe out any potential savings that could have been made by partnership working.


The work is being carried out by Somerset County Council in partnership with the Environment Agency with input from Sedgemoor District Council.


Under the scheme four new culverts are being built to the east of Langacre Rhyne, which runs alongside the Sowy under the A372 at Beer Wall.


At times of flood, the culverts would allow water to pass under the road and feed back into the rhyne.
In January and February last year the A372 was flooded at Beer Wall for several weeks and then closed to accommodate emergency pumping.


In the screening opinion letter Jessica Ager from the Environment Agency warns: “For every week of delay between Shanska finishing phase two and waiting to start phase three we’ll have around £20,000 standing charges.


“If the delays head into late summer Somerset County Council will need to consider temporary protection of the phase two culverts.


“Timing is tight. Not only is an early July start important to realise savings it’s critical that we complete tasks ahead of winter.


“The current programme is to demobilise by early November.”

 
It is hoped if the work is delivered on time there could be saving of £500,000, but the work needs to start by the second week of July.


The plans for the work were unveiled last summer at Othery Village Hall with details about how the multi-agency Levels and Moors Flood Action Plan would be delivered.


The work is designed to keep the road open should there be a repeat of the flood that closed it in 2014.