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Prime Minister in third visit to Somerset

Somerset Levels to be dredged 'in March'

Long Load, near Martock, where the bridge has been cleared to re-open but is still underwater Credit: ITV West

The Prime Minister has confirmed that dredging of the rivers on the Somerset Levels will begin in March.

David Cameron told a meeting of MPs in Bridgwater that dredging notices had gone out for work to begin.

But the Environment Agency said the work will only take place when it is "safe and practical to do so".

Dredging will take place on eight kilometres of river channel where the Tone and Parrett meet at Burrowbridge. Work will start on a 200 metre long stretch of the river Parrett north of Coates Farm.

This is a key stretch of the river that has been specifically identified by local people for dredging and where significant amounts of silt have built up.

Clearing this length provides the greatest flood reduction benefits through dredging for local villages, farmers and transport routes.

Work will be ready to start by the end of March provided water levels drop and the banks and adjacent land is dry enough for the specialist contractors’ excavators to work safely.

West Country bishops attack Govt welfare cuts West Country (W)

Bishops' welfare letter: Your comments

The following are a selection of viewers' comments taken from the ITV West Country Facebook page.

If you went through the last war and survived during the fifties when there was a real food shortage then you'd know what it was really like. People today throw away so much food that can be used.

– Alan Cottrell

Always find it funny how religious leaders are always answering questions nobody was asking of them. When they are properly elected government officials they can make demands. Until then, their opinions carry no more weight than yours or mine. However, as leaders of such large organisations, if they want to take the responsibility of helping out and giving money and/or services for charitable purposes (as you or I could equally do if we had the time or money), then that would be very commendable.

– Ian Lovell

I am nearly 60, so was brought up in a home without central heating, knew what it was to survive off jam sandwiches if Dad's pay did not stretch to a whole week, did not have any luxury goods at all. I feel less inclined to have sympathy when people buy beer and cigarettes before food and then go down the food banks for their groceries. Welfare was set up surely as a safety net rather than a way of life. I am really sorry for genuine cases who are struggling, but [...] it does not help when headlines show families on welfare getting five times my income and I still work to support myself.

– Yvon Abbott

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West Country bishops attack Govt welfare cuts

West Country bishops attack Govt welfare cuts

The Rt Revd Michael Perham, Bishop of Gloucester, speaking in the House of Lords Credit: PA

The Bishops of Salisbury, Gloucester, Taunton, Swindon and Bristol have joined other senior clergy in urging the Government to reconsider welfare cuts, saying the system's failures and cut backs have led to an increase in people using food banks.

Their letter, signed by 24 Anglican bishops, as well as senior clergy from other denominations, says the Government must ensure the welfare system provides an adequate safety net, and that salaries are high enough for a decent standard of living.

Somerset County Council Chief resigns

Somerset County Council has announced that Chief Executive Sheila Wheeler has left the Council by mutual agreement.

The council issued this statement;

Sheila’s arrival at the Council in February 2010 coincided with the first austerity measures coming into force resulting in major budget cuts. She led the Council through a prolonged period where significant service and staffing reductions had to be made.

Sheila has also brought major changes to the way the Council operates and is run and we wish her well for the future.

Until a replacement is appointed, Patrick Flaherty the Deputy Chief Executive will serve as the Acting Chief Executive. Patrick is a long standing member of staff at the Council and during the last few weeks has ably led the Council’s response to the flood crisis.

– Somerset County Council
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