The Huntspill River, a major flood relief channel in Somerset, could be improved in the coming years to increase water movement off the Levels and Moors during floods. Built in 1940 to supply the Royal Ordnance Factory east of Bridgwater, the channel now serves the Gravity enterprise zone, home to a new 'gigafactory'. It has been essential for diverting water from the River Brue catchment to the Bristol Channel.
How the Huntspill River Works
The river receives water from two parts of the Brue catchment: the South Drain (west of Glastonbury through Avalon Marshes) and the Cripps River (south of the main channel near East Huntspill). Water flows through Gold Corner pumping station, north of the Gravity site, under the M5 near junction 23, under the A38 near West Huntspill, and into the River Parrett before reaching the Bristol Channel.
Proposed Improvements
The River Brue steering group, set up by the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), evaluated proposals to enhance flood prevention. Options ranged from lowering the Huntspill River and expanding Highbridge Clyse to raising low bank points. Modelling identified three priorities:
- Formalise pre-lowering procedures for the Huntspill River – reducing water before heavy rain to allow more inflow from the Levels.
- Address low spots in the existing River Brue bank.
- Commission a study into 'pinch points' slowing water downstream of the Cripps River.
Benefits and Costs
An SRA spokesperson said lowering retained water pre-flood could reduce pumping at Gold Corner while increasing discharge from the Huntspill River, allowing gravity-fed entry. However, siltation and environmental constraints pose challenges. Improvements to the Huntspill River are estimated at £1 million, plus £290,000 for bank works elsewhere in the Brue catchment.
SRA chairman Mike Stanton stated: 'We know what needs to be done where, but we need the Environment Agency and drainage boards to find funding – which may include applying to the SRA.'
Vice-chairman Tony Bradford expressed frustration over a decade of inaction, saying: 'All people want is some action. There's been a lot of action on the River Parrett, and it's time the Brue catchment saw something happen.'
Iain Sturdy, chief executive of the Somerset Drainage Board Consortium, acknowledged the delay but noted: 'The model shows these actions have enormous impacts on extent, depth and duration. The question is whether they generate sufficient benefits. Improving the Huntspill River provides flood risk benefit; it's just a matter of funding.'
A further update is expected at the SRA board meeting on September 11.
