A SOMERSET MP has called for a Parliamentary debate on proposed Environment Agency (EA) cuts to flood prevention and river maintenance work across the county.

The agency plans to stop maintaining a significant proportion of Somerset’s rivers and waterways, after receiving only 60 per cent of the funding it requested from the Treasury.

Watchet town councillors have led criticism of the move, and Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) chairman Cllr Mike Stanton said he was ‘deeply concerned’ it could lead to a repeat of the devastating floods of 2012 and 2013/14.

Now, Bridgwater MP Sir Ashley Fox has demanded a Parliamentary debate and an urgent meeting with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Ministers.

Sir Ashley, whose constituency covers parts of West Somerset, said: “My constituents are concerned that without proper maintenance we may see a repeat of the devastating 2013/14 floods.

“May I repeat my request to find Government time for a debate on the EA’s failure to fulfil its duties.”

Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell said she could not guarantee a Parliamentary debate, but would help to facilitate meetings between all Somerset MPs and the relevant Ministers.

Ms Powell told Sir Ashley: “This is not the first time that I have heard of problems in the EA and about its not following through on the commitments that it has given.

“I will ensure a Ministerial response, but we are determined that the EA and others should be held to account for the actions they take, and that they should take more responsibility for prevention.”

The EA said the maintenance at risk of being cut was ‘discretionary’ work only and would not put residents at significantly increased risk of flooding.

West Somerset rivers affected by the EA announcement are the River Avill and the Washford Stream.

The agency said it had to allocate resources to the areas of Somerset at most urgent risk of flooding, and it believed the proposed ‘discretionary maintenance’ changes would not result in large numbers of properties being put at any greater risk.

An EA spokesperson said: “We have made the decision to reduce discretionary vegetation cutting on some specific sections of watercourses, because the work we have been doing has been identified as having a relatively low flood risk benefit compared to areas with more properties.

“We have to prioritise what works can be delivered to minimise flood risk with the funding available.

“We will continue to manage the risk of flooding and maintain our assets, flood alleviation schemes, and monitoring water courses to provide flood warning services.”

The issue is expected to be discussed again this week when the SRA board meets in Taunton, on Friday (September 12).

Watchet councillors have asked parishes and organisations along the Washford River to join them in registering opposition to the withdrawal of maintenance.

The Washford River rises on the Brendon Hills near Treborough and joins the sea in Watchet.

The Avill rises on the slopes of Dunkery Beacon and flows through Timberscombe and Dunster and into the sea at Dunster Beach.