A BUSINESSWOMAN fears her premises could be flooded along with several homes due to problems in an adjacent river.

Claire Jenner-Laurens says the River Exe beside her Exford Bridge Tea Rooms is likely to overflow because silt has built up.

The water now only flows through one of the bridge's three arches and the river bank is being eroded.

She has appealed unsuccessfully to Somerset County Council, which owns the bridge, to solve the problem.

"It's potentially going to collapse," said Mrs Jenner-Laurens.

"Because the silt has built up, the river has now changed direction and undercut the bank, which could collapse at any time.

"We, along with about ten houses and two other businesses, are at risk of being flooded - and because we're on a flood plain we can't got insurance for that.

"It makes me cross. We can see the problem, but no one's getting it fixed."

Mrs Jenner-Laurens is planning to open her business following the easing of lockdown measures on April 12.

"But we won't be able to open the car park for our customers as it's bowing and likely to collapse as well," she added.

Exford Parish Council chairman Mike Ellicott said: "We're concerned about the silt building up under the bridge.

"We've tried as a parish council to get something done and brought it to the attention of the county council, who I understand are responsible.

HANDS TIED: Mike Ellicott, chairman of Exford Parish Council

HANDS TIED: Mike Ellicott, chairman of Exford Parish Council

"But there are problems between the various agencies and we haven't got the power to do anything about it."

A Somerset County Council spokesperson said: “Our team has previously undertaken silt/gravel removal works at the site, but this has to be carried out under strict conditions imposed by the Environment Agency.

"However, at present we have been informed by the EA that they do not believe there is currently a flooding issue at this bridge.

“Whilst the council is responsible for the retaining wall supporting the public highway, the responsibility of the other walls/banks lies with the riparian (i.e. those on the bank) owners.

"Assessments show that the highway retaining wall is not at risk of collapse.”