A CAMPAIGN of opposition to cuts in river maintenance in West Somerset is being co-ordinated by angry Watchet town councillors.

The Environment Agency (EA) has announced it intends to stop working on the Washford River and Traphole Stream and other watercourses in West Somerset to save money.

It has written to residents to tell them: “Our funding for routine maintenance is limited and therefore is under regular review.

“We have had to prioritise maintenance subject to the funding and resources available to us to ensure we continue to reduce the risk of flooding to the maximum possible number of people and properties.

“Following our review of this location, available funding, and flood risk priority, we will not be carrying out further conveyancing maintenance of this watercourse at this location.”

But Watchet councillors heard the decision would expose people living along the river to risk and leave them unsure of whom to turn to for help when flooding occurred.

Cllr Peter Murphy said the Washford River was designated as a main river at the point where it entered the town and therefore it fell primarily to the EA to maintain work to prevent flooding.

He said it needed to be established who would take on the responsibility if the EA was no longer willing to do so.

Cllr Murphy said: “At times of high tide and high river flow, the EA had a presence in the town which was reassuring to residents and visitors.

“If there was a problem with the river it was well known that it was the EA you had to contact for advice about it.

“For each individual resident receiving this letter, they are likely to have concerns because although they are responsible for their property’s banks and halfway across the river, they are not responsible for the opposite bank or the other half of the river.

“Each resident, if they manage their responsibility, can still be affected by events upstream or down stream of them.

“In Watchet, the most likely problem leading to a flooding event is something blocking the footbridge at Mill Lane by Waterloo Cottages or the road bridge on Market Street.

“Upstream, a release of water from localised flooding at such as Kentsford Farm could threaten Whitehall.

“If the EA no longer have responsibility, who do people turn to?”

Councillors agreed to formally object to the EA proposals and to also contact neighbouring parishes and organisations along the river to encourage them to similarly register opposition to the withdrawal of maintenance.

They also wanted clarification and confirmation in the event the EA went ahead with its decision, as to what alternative solutions were to be provided to ensure ongoing flood protection for Watchet.

The EA said it was conducting a six-month public consultation exercise during which no changes would be made.

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