Plans to upgrade a key flood defence in Highbridge could help protect communities across the Somerset Levels — including Glastonbury and Street.

The Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) has proposed widening Highbridge Clyce, a structure that prevents seawater from surging inland along the River Brue. The Brue flows west from Brewham, through the Levels and between Glastonbury and Street, before reaching the sea at Highbridge.

Much of the Brue and its catchment lies near sea level, making it vulnerable to flooding during heavy rainfall. The SRA — formed after the devastating 2013–14 floods — is pursuing a mix of short-, medium- and long-term measures to reduce flood risk across the region.

In the short term, localised low spots on the riverbanks will be filled to reduce overflow risk. In the medium term, improvements are planned between Westhay and Highbridge, including better water flow via the Cripps River and potential upgrades to the artificial Huntspill River.

Three options are now under detailed analysis:

• Reducing water storage in the Huntspill before flood events
• Increasing the opening size of Highbridge Clyce to improve outflow at low tides
• Creating new floodplain storage areas with strengthened riverbanks

In the longer term, the SRA will assess potential changes to Clyse Hole — between Glastonbury and Street — and improvements to the Glastonbury Millstream and South Drain.

A further update is expected at the next SRA board meeting on 5 December.

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H/T: LDRS