PROPOSALS to dredge the River Parrett between Stathe and Burrowbridge are out now for a final phase of statutory public consultation running until Saturday, August 3.

It follows a month-long consultation in May, when 72 per cent of responses consisted of statements were supportive.

The aim of the proposed works is to help Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) reduce flood risks across a large part of the Somerset Levels and Moors that were badly affected in the winter of 2013-14 and summer 2012.

Around 22,000 cubic metres of sediment could be removed from the Parrett to increase its capacity to carry flood water.

The project is being led for SRA by the Parrett Internal Drainage Board, working closely with the Environment Agency, Natural England and consultants Johns Associates. SRA is using Growth Deal funding from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership.

SRA chairman Cllr David Hall said: "This final phase of public consultation marks the culmination of a huge amount of research and design and planning.

"I’d like to thank everyone who’s so far contributed to this project and who’s given us their views.

"We’re now very close to being able to start new dredging works along the Parrett, which will help us to protect people and properties, and to make some environmental improvements along the way."

The proposed work will see the creation of marginal areas of shallow water, which could produce more diverse habitats for wildlife.

The environmental statement has been produced following consideration of all responses to May’s consultation and in meetings with bodies such as the Flooding on the Levels Action Group, the Inland Waterways Association, the RSPB, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Historic England and South West Heritage Trust.

You can see the document at somersetriversauthority.org.uk/news/ or somersetdrainageboards.gov.uk/operations/projects

Printed copies are available at Langport Library and at the Parrett IDB’s office in Market Street, Highbridge.

Comments can be submitted in writing to the Parrett IDB or by e-mail to admin@somersetdbs.co.uk

Set-up works could start on site in next month, with dredging commencing in September.

Necessary works such as monitoring and further ecological improvements, such as hedge planting, would continue into 2020.