Somerset misses worst of flooding : So far. But flood gates at infamous Mulcheney are now closed

By Susie Watkins

21st Jan 2021 | Local News

This photo taken by one of the Travel Somerset team on January 21
This photo taken by one of the Travel Somerset team on January 21

Somerset has thankfully missed the worst of any flooding from Storm Christoph, however in slightly concerning news they have closed the flood gates at Mulcheney near Langport.

As many will remember the village was the first to flood in the huge Somerset devastation of 2014 and villagers were cut off for weeks.

Since then they have been protected by a raised road into the village which bears the brunt when the rivers Parrett and the river Tone are swollen.

Today (January 21) the Travel Somerset engineers took this photo and sent out a road closure alert. It shows the flood gates at Muchelney, Langport now closed.

Back in 2014 excessive rainfall in the prior December led to devastating flooding across the Somerset Levels. With so much water, the ground became saturated, forcing both the river Parrett and Tone to burst their banks and in turn to cut Mulcheney off from the rest of the world.

Villagers were stranded for ten weeks, with food and supplies being brought in by boat.

The following year, a half a kilometre stretch of the main road into Muchelney was raised by more than 1.2 metres at its lowest point to prevent it happening again.

Today (January 21) there are four 'danger to life' weather warnings still in place for the River Bollin and Agden Brook at Little Bollington, the River Bollin at Heatley, the River Mersey at East Didsbury and the River Mersey at West Didsbury and Northenden.

National Resources Wales have issued a fifth for Bangor-on-Dee where 30 people have already been evacuated from their homes.

A further 200 flood warning are in place across areas of England and Wales.

     

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