Environment Agency explains why flood defence barriers not being used

Residents had expressed ‘amazement’ and concerns on local social media that the barrier was not being used in the Bull Pit area alongside the River Avon to protect the town centre from flooding.

The agency issued a statement a few days ago saying it was for “operational safety” reasons and advised residents and businesses to install their own flood defences.

Residents have been forced to pump out flood water themselves. Photo: Trevor Porter 69564-1 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Agency officer Chris Stratton said the use of the temporary barrier had been reviewed last year following an incident with a similar barrier in Bewdley, Worcestershire, in which an employee was badly injured during severe flooding.

“There was a fault with the barrier in that when it was fully loaded with flood water it could be pushed backwards.

“The barrier is an A-frame that builds when the flood water comes against it and then pushes it down to the ground.

“But when placed on concrete or tarmac, it can be pushed backwards, trapping anyone behind it.

“We don’t put it up now in Bradford on Avon because the properties at risk of flooding in the Bull Pit area have their own flood protection.

“The last time we used it was last winter but on that occasion, the flood was not high enough to push it backwards.”

Mr Stratton says the agency will continue to monitor river levels on the River Avon today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday) and are expecting them to rise again because of the rainfall overnight.

Environment Agency officers monitor the River Avon at Bradford on Avon and explain why the temporary flood defence barrier is not in place. Photo: Trevor Porter 69565 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The agency’s flood warning for Bradford on Avon covers Greenland Mills, Norden, Grist Court, Kingston Square, Bridge Yard, Lamb Yard, Bridge Street, Silver Street, Bull Pit, St Margaret’s Street, Church Street and Pound Lane.

“The river levels have fallen overnight after 18 hours of little rain but are starting to rise again following last night’s rain,” he said.

“We will continue to monitor them today and tomorrow and are monitoring the properties nearby. If people find that water is getting in we will assist them.”

Flooding in the Bull Pit area of Bradford on Avon on Saturday morning. Photo: Trevor Porter 69564-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Signs on the trees along the Bull Pit warned pedestrians not to go any further. Photo: Trevor Porter 69664-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Mr Stratton said that plans for a £1 million flood alleviation scheme for the town were still at the outline stage.

“There is a design that we can deliver but as with all schemes it is about priority. At the moment, there is not enough funding available to deliver the full scheme to protect the town.”