Could flood works help Somerset?

摘要

A proposed new tidal barrier to save the low-lying Somerset Levels from a repeat of the flooding of early 2013 could also support more leisure boating and waterway restoration, according to the local branch of the Inland Waterways Association. IWA's West Country Branch has responded to a report by Sedgemoor Council and the Environment Agency by encouraging that the report's proposals be modified to cater for navigation. As envisaged by the report, the barrier at Bridgwater on the River Parrett would (like the Thames Barrier at Woolwich) only be used to stop very high tides continuing up river and causing floods. IWA believes it should be used to impound water at other states of tide, facilitating boating on 20 miles of currently tidal water. This would: 1. Make it easier for seagoing craft to get to Bridgwater 2. Facilitate reopening the connection via Bridgwater Docks to the Bridgwater & Taunton 3. Give navigable water for short-break holiday craft Gren Messham of IWA Navigation Committee pointed out that major investment is needed to guard against future floods, and that with just a little more work "a historic meeting of sea and inland waterways can be reinstated".