A BODY set up to shape and improve flood management in Somerset holds its first meeting on Friday, February 27.

The Somerset Rivers Authority, which will identify what work is needed to provide better flood protection, is meeting at County Hall, Taunton, when it will appoint a chairman and vice-chairman and formally adopt its constitution.

Cllr John Osman, chairman of the Flood Action Plan Leaders Implementation Group, said: “The creation of the SRA is a major development in flood management in the county and this first meeting another important milestone.

“I’m sure all those involved are, like me, looking forward to getting the authority up and running getting on with the job of reducing the likelihood and impact of flooding in the county.”

The meeting will consider and make recommendations for the Enhanced Maintenance Programme for 2015/16, which will use interim funding to undertake a range of flood risk management activities, including maintaining the 2014 dredge on the Rivers Parrett and Tone rivers.

DEFRA is providing £1.9million funding for the SRA’s first year, with Somerset County Council providing £600,000, and Sedgemoor, Taunton Deane, South Somerset, Mendip and West Somerset district councils and Somerset Consortium of Drainage Boards pooling a combined £200,000.