Work is starting on Somerset Council’s major scheme to strengthen Chard Reservoir’s barrier and help protect the dam from extreme future flooding events.
The project, part funded by Somerset Rivers Authority, involves building a ‘wave wall’ to reduce the risk of the reservoir failing, culvert reconstruction, and re-grading the Anglers car park.
Contractor Kier will be carrying out the work – expected to be completed by the summer – and there will be some disruption to traffic until a full road closure along Chaffcombe Lane is implemented from 28 April for around ten weeks. Pedestrian access to the reservoir will remain open during this time.
The Anglers’ car park will remain open for anglers only, with access from the Chaffcombe side. All other visitors to the nature reserve are advised to park at Oaklands car park (TA20 1HU). A diversion will be in place during the works.
Councillor Graham Oakes, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Public Health, Environment, and Climate Change, said:
“It is vital that we do this work to make the reservoir more resilient and to protect local communities from the devastating effects of the dam failing.
“Chard Reservoir is a beautiful place to visit and enjoy and I am glad that people will still be able to access it during the works.”
Councillor Mike Stanton, Chair of Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), said:
“The SRA’s core purpose is to reduce the risks and impacts of flooding, which is why we agreed to make a significant contribution towards the costs of this work. It will decrease flood risks for nearly 1,000 properties and benefit a wide area from Chard down to Muchelney, so it’s great to see it getting underway.”
Chard Reservoir was owned by South Somerset District Council until the unitary Somerset Council came into being in April 2023 when ownership passed to the new council.
The need for the wall was identified during an independent safety audit and is a legal requirement under the Reservoirs Safey Act. Somerset Council has worked closely with specialist engineers Stillwater Associates who designed the scheme.
A full ecological survey has been undertaken and wildlife in the area will be monitored throughout the duration of the work. A small number of self-seeded trees along the dam’s crest were removed or cut back earlier this year in preparation for the work.
Somerset Council is working with local communities, including volunteers and Chaffcombe Parish Council to make sure people are aware of the works and why they are needed.
