A BODY set up to shape flood management is to help identify work and fund and deliver a higher standard of flood protection in Somerset.

The Somerset Rivers Authority will also ensure the various flood risk management authorities work together through a combined programme.

The work of the Somerset Levels and Moors Flood Action Plan will carry on as part of the SRA.

The SRA’s first meeting on Friday saw Cllr John Osman elected chairman, with Tony Bradford vice-chairman.

Mr Osman said: “This is an exciting new era and potentially a national flagship.

“This authority brings together varied organisations in a new era of cooperation and understanding.”

Enhanced maintenance works being carried out include new dredging, maintaining newly dredged sections, extra vegetation cutting and de-silting and addressing localised flooding issues in the wider catchment.

There will also be work to ensure that landowners fulfil their own maintenance responsibilities.

The SRA’s first year budget was set at £2.7million, with DEFRA providing £1.9million, Somerset County Council £600,000 and the county’s five district councils and Somerset Consortium of Drainage Boards a combined £200,000.