Somerset MPs have called for an urgent debate in Parliament after the Environment Agency (EA) confirmed it will scale back flood prevention and river maintenance work across the county.

The agency announced in August that it would stop maintaining large parts of Somerset's waterways after receiving just 60% of the funding it requested from the Treasury.

The move has drawn heavy criticism from councillors and the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), whose chairman warned it could lead to a repeat of the devastating floods of 2012 and 2013/14.

'Winter is coming'

Two of Somerset's seven MPs raised the issue in the Commons last week.

Sir Ashley Fox MP (Conservative, Bridgwater) told the House: "Without proper maintenance we may see a repeat of the devastating 2013/14 floods. May I repeat my request for a debate on the EA's failure to fulfil its duties?"

Tessa Munt MP (Liberal Democrat, Wells and Mendip Hills) added: "Regular maintenance is essential to allow floodwater to escape from what is a man-made landscape in the Somerset Levels and Moors.

"Will the government insist the EA rescinds its withdrawal notices until a funded, sustainable solution is agreed? Winter is coming, and rainfall with it."

Response from ministers

Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell MP said she could not guarantee a debate but promised to help facilitate meetings between Somerset MPs and Defra ministers.

She added: "This is not the first time I've heard of problems in the EA not following through on commitments. We are determined the EA and others should be held to account and take more responsibility for prevention."

Which rivers are affected?

Waterways where maintenance is set to be cut back include:

• The River Avill (near Minehead)
• Doniford Stream (near Watchet)
• The River Cary (near Castle Cary and Somerton)
• Galmington Stream, Mill Lease Stream and Sherford Stream (Taunton)
• Kingsmoor main drain

The EA said only "discretionary" vegetation cutting will stop, focusing resources on areas with higher concentrations of homes at risk.

A spokesperson said: "We have to prioritise what works can be delivered with the funding available. These changes will not result in large numbers of properties being at greater risk."

What happens next?

The issue will be discussed in more detail at the next meeting of the Somerset Rivers Authority board, due to take place in Taunton on Thursday 12 September.

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