Huge forum turnout in response to devastating flooding in Somerset
Over 100 concerned residents packed into The Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster on February 13th to attend a Flood Forum
Last updated 15th Feb 2025
A packed forum on the recent devastating flooding in Somerset brought hundreds together to demand action this week - including South Somerset's MP, Adam Dance.
He says the scale of concern 'speaks volumes' - as they covered key concerns including the impact of climate change and the need for urgent investment.
It comes amid the Government committing more than £2.6 billion to building and maintaining flood defences.
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Over 100 concerned residents packed into The Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster on February 13th to attend a Flood Forum.
Those who joined the MP included representatives from Somerset Council, the Environment Agency, Wessex Water, the Somerset Drainage Board, Somerset Wildlife Trust and the Somerset Rivers Authority.
The event is said to have provided 'a vital opportunity' for residents to voice their concerns, ask questions, and hear directly from agencies about the recent flooding that has devastated homes and businesses across South Somerset.
It was held in response to repeated flooding in communities such as South Petherton, Chard, Ilminster, and surrounding villages.
Addressing the packed room, Adam Dance MP acknowledged the frustration and distress felt by local people and vowed to continue pressing the Government for urgent action and funding to protect South Somerset communities.
Adam Dance MP said: "The scale of concern and turnout at this meeting speaks volumes. People here have been devastated by flooding, and they are not willing to accept inaction. Our communities cannot keep going through this cycle of destruction and worry. We need long-term investment in flood resilience, better maintenance of our drains and waterways, and proper funding for local authorities to act before, not after, disaster strikes."
"I have already written to the Flooding Minister demanding clarity on how much of the Government’s new £2.65 billion flood defence funding will come to South Somerset. I have also tabled 11 parliamentary questions on flood prevention, met with local authorities, and secured a meeting with the Minister later this month where I will continue to push for real solutions. But this event has made it clear that much more still needs to be done—and I will not stop fighting for our communities."
Residents raised concerns about drainage infrastructure, land management, and the role of new developments in worsening flood risks.
Discussions also explored the impact of climate change on increasing extreme weather events, the pressures on local funding, and the challenges of balancing environmental protection with development.
Announcing the billions of pounds of funding earlier this month, the Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: "The storms this winter have devastated lives and livelihoods.
"The role of any Government is to protect its citizens.
"Under our Plan for Change, we are investing a record £2.65 billion to build and maintenance flood defences to protect lives, homes and businesses from the dangers of flooding."
Read more: £2.6 billion funding for UK flood defences over next 2 years as climate threat grows