A LIFELINE service which linked Muchelney to the ‘mainland’ during the flooding ran for the last time yesterday (Thursday).

The initiative involved villagers being ferried to Langport in a flat-bottomed boat initially and more recently in an all-terrain vehicle.

But the service, funded by Somerset County Council, has been stood down as the roads leading into Muchelney are now open to all traffic.

Another 4x4 service between Oath and Wick/Langport was also terminated this week.

The Environment Agency’s permanent pumps continue to reduce water levels on the Moors, with temporary pumps removed when levels drop to the point where they can no longer operate or they are no longer needed.

The large pumps at Beer Wall have also been removed, although the A372 will remain closed while county highways staff assess the road and carry out repairs.

Temporary pumps at Dunball will remain in place for today’s (Friday) high tides and are due to be removed at the beginning of next week.

John Rowlands, for the Environment Agency, said: “The flow through Monksleaze Clyce is being reduced and we are now operating within ‘normal’ parameters.

“This will reduce flows through the Sowy and King Sedgemoor Drain system. We will closely monitor the situation to ensure that all pumps at our permanent pumping stations can continue to operate to drain the water levels on the moors.”