As part of Flood Action Week (14-20 October), the Environment Agency is encouraging residents in Wells and nearby areas like Croscombe to take proactive steps to protect their homes against potential flooding. This follows several major flood events in the region, including Storm Henk, which caused significant damage earlier this year.

The council is continuing its investigation into flooding that occurred during Storm Henk in January 2024, which affected over 50 properties in Croscombe, Shepton Mallet, Bruton, Knole, and Nunney. The storm followed another incident in December 2023, when properties in Martock were severely impacted by floodwaters.

Investigations into these incidents are ongoing, with local authorities aiming to identify the causes and develop strategies to mitigate future risks. Flooding has been a recurring issue in the area, with several outstanding Section 19 investigations from previous events, including severe flooding in October 2020.

Anna Meares, the council's flood investigation officer, said: "Flooding is a sensitive issue due to the loss of property and livelihoods. Recurring events leave residents anxious, so it's crucial to learn from these incidents, implement mitigations, and improve flood responses."

Preparing for future floods

Ron Curtis, the Environment Agency's Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for Wessex, urged residents to take precautions ahead of the winter months. "With the potential for more intense rainfall this season, it's vital to safeguard your home and family as much as possible," he said. "Signing up for flood warnings and knowing what to do before, during, and after a flood can make a significant difference."

Key steps residents can take include:

• Check your flood risk: Use the Environment Agency's service to assess your flood risk.
• Sign up for flood warnings: Receive real-time alerts via phone, text, or email.
• Protect your property: Move important documents to a secure location, prepare a flood kit, and learn how to turn off utilities.
• Consider long-term resilience: Explore Property Flood Resilience (PFR) measures for future protection.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy added, "Flooding can be devastating. By taking simple precautions during Flood Action Week, we can reduce the impact on our lives."

Ongoing investigations and backlog

Croscombe and other areas affected by recent floods are still awaiting final reports from previous investigations, with the council working through a backlog of Section 19 reports. The report on the October 2020 floods was only recently published, and reports on floods in May and September 2023 are expected before Christmas. However, investigations into the December 2023 and January 2024 floods may not be completed until summer 2025.

For more information on flood risks, flood warnings, and the Flood Re insurance scheme, visit the Environment Agency's website.