A GOVERNMENT grant aimed at preventing future flooding in Williton has been welcomed by West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger.

Ministers have allocated £60,000 this year toward financing a flood alleviation study for the village.

It will help to draw up a long-term policy to put in place measures to mitigate the effects of flash flooding which is likely to become a greater threat to the community as a result of climate change.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said the award from the £100 million Frequently Flooded Allowance pot recognised the risk Williton now faced.

He said: “Rivers and streams in the area rise rapidly because they are running off high ground and although it is some time since there have been really disruptive floods, the Government has recognised that there is potential for future problems as heavier and more localised rainfall becomes the established pattern.

“It is always better to plan for the worst as far ahead as possible and I am delighted that this grant will now enable a start to be made on drawing up flood defence plans for the years ahead.”