A £170,000 Somerset Rivers Authority scheme to reduce flood risks in Monksilver starts on Monday.

At least 15 properties will benefit from works to stop mud and water surging down towards people’s homes from surrounding steep hills, roads and bridleways.

Parts of Monksilver have flooded several times in recent years, because the drains in two key places cannot cope with the volume of water down from the Brendon Hills.

The first phase between April 8 and April 28 will re-route B3188 traffic via Ralegh’s Cross along the B3224 and B3190.

The second phase between April 29 and May 31 will re-route Beech Tree Hill traffic out round towards the edge of Stogumber and back.

The third phase from June 3 to June 21 requires a simpler diversion to the west of Monksilver. Village businesses will be open as usual throughout and the popular Summer Church Fete on June 1 will be unaffected.

David Mitchell, SRA manager, said: “Recent floods in Monksilver caused villagers significant damage and distress and clogged up the B3188 with mud and debris. These works will make a big difference.”