New Flood Defences Protect Taunton during Winter Storms

Wednesday, 06 January 2010 15:30

Taunton's new flood protection scheme has proved its worth during the recent heavy downpours. The last two months have seen exceptional rainfall and flooding across much of the country but properties in Taunton remained dry and safe.

The flood protection programme was originally planned to protect the new development sites in Taunton however the final scheme was expanded and now provides protection for the town centre too. With a capacity equivalent to 25 Olympic sized swimming pools, the scheme consists of three basins that capture water upstream of the River Tone before it reaches the town centre.

Taunton's flood protection scheme was completed earlier this year and was enabled by South West RDA Regional Infrastructure Funds. The RDA also previously funded the acquisition of land as part of a wider investment in the delivery of Project Taunton.

Plans are currently being considered by Taunton Deane Borough Council to landscape the area and create a green space that is accessible to all and which will provide diverse habitats for an array of wildlife.

Ian Franklin, Project Director of Project Taunton said: "We have been very pleased with how the new flood defences have performed during the recent heavy rain. They have certainly been tested with the awful weather we've had over the past couple of months but they've responded well and will help to safeguard the town in the future."