Several flood defence schemes in Somerset are set to receive a share of more than £110 million of government funding, as part of a package announced today by the Environment Agency.

The investment, part of the Government's 'Plan for Change', is aimed at protecting homes and businesses, supporting local jobs and boosting economic resilience in the face of increasing climate-related risks.

Seven local projects in the Glastonbury and Somerton and Wells and Mendip Hills constituencies are included in the funding list for 2025/26:

• Westover Pump Replacement (Glastonbury and Somerton) – £500,000
• Midleney Pump Station Replacement (Glastonbury and Somerton) – £500,000
• Bruton Dam Reservoir statutory improvements (Glastonbury and Somerton) – £225,000
• Gold Corner Pumping Station (Wells and Mendip Hills) – £380,000
• North Drain Pump Replacement (Wells and Mendip Hills) – £500,000
• Gooseum Rhyne Reservoir safety measures (Wells and Mendip Hills) – £26,000
• Clyce Hole eel pass and weir enhancement (Glastonbury and Somerton) – £50,000

All of the above will be delivered by the Environment Agency and fall under 'capital maintenance' projects, addressing risks primarily from river flooding, with some related to reservoir safety.

Caroline Douglass, Executive Director for Flood and Coastal Risk Management at the Environment Agency, said the investment would bring reassurance to communities that have faced flooding in the past.

"Protecting communities from the devastating impact of flooding is our priority," she said. "The delivery of the schemes in Wessex will be welcome news for homeowners and businesses, who have experienced flooding in the past and may face more extreme weather as our climate continues to change."

Floods Minister Emma Hardy added: "Through our Plan for Change, we are supporting around 40 schemes in Wessex, ensuring residents have the long-term protection they need, while boosting local growth and creating new jobs."

The funding is part of a record £2.65 billion two-year programme to build new flood schemes and maintain existing ones. Across Wessex – which includes Somerset, Wiltshire, Bristol, Gloucestershire and Dorset – nearly 40 schemes are set to receive funding, with the goal of protecting 27,000 more properties by the end of the next financial year.

Notable larger projects elsewhere in the region include the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, which will receive £47.2 million, and the Bath Flood Defence Scheme at Twerton Gates, which has been allocated £3.5 million.

The Government has also set aside £140 million to support major flood schemes facing cost pressures, ensuring they can proceed without delays.