Cllrs John Brailey and Roger Sleeman by the blocked Thames flood defence near Somerford Keynes
THE Environment Agency has promised to improve its maintenance of flood defences in Somerford Keynes despite problems posed by nesting water voles.
The village’s main flood defence became blocked earlier this year, but maintenance could not be carried out by the EA due to a colony of water voles, which are a legally protected species.
Town councillors joined local landowners at the meeting held on December 12.
Parish councillor Roger Sleeman said: “We had a very positive dialogue. They have promised to try and keep the spillway clear in the future.”
An spokesman from the Environment Agency said: “We are working towards making sure the timing of any future work on the overspill avoids any impact on the water voles.”
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