A key section of a Somerset river could soon be managed privately following a decision by the Environment Agency (EA).

The Old Wallbridge Mill sluices are situated on the River Frome near its confluence with the Rodden Brook, not far from Frome railway station and the busy A362 Warminster Road.

One of the sluices is currently managed by the EA, while the mill owner operates the other to generate hydroelectric power.

Now the EA has confirmed its intention to transfer management of its sluice to the mill owner, claiming it offers "little or no flood risk benefit" to residents.

The transfer was confirmed in a report which came before the EA's Wessex regional flood and coastal committee meeting on Thursday morning (January 28).

Rachel Burden, the EA's area flood and coastal risk manager, said in her written report: "The western sluice is owned and operated by the mill owner to generate hydropower, while the Eastern sluice is owned and operated by the EA to maintain water levels in the environmental area upstream of the mill.

"The Wallbridge sluice provides little or no flood risk benefit. There is some localised surface water flooding, which is not influenced by operation of the sluices."

It currently costs the EA £2,500 a year to maintain its section of the Wallbridge structure.

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By transferring the asset to the mill owner, the EA will no longer be liable to this amount or for carrying out any future maintenance in this area.

Ms Burden said the EA would leave the sluice in "a safe and manageable conditions", handing over the electrical supply to the mill owner and providing them with all necessary information for its continued operation.

No time-scale for the sluice transfer has yet been announced.