RESIDENTS of Bradford on Avon living close to the river have been warned to prepare their own defences for flooding after the Environment Agency withdrew a vital safety barrier from use for operational reasons.

The agency is no longer using the temporary defence barrier it usually installs at the Bull Pit to prevent flooding in the town centre when the River Avon bursts its banks.

But the residents are still awaiting the outcome of plans for a £1 million flood alleviation scheme outlined by the agency five years ago.

In a warning to residents, Bradford on Avon Town Council said: “With the river level higher, it is important for residents and businesses to be aware that the temporary flood defences in the town were withdrawn by the Environment Agency.

“It said that the barrier was no longer considered safe following a review of its operational activities relating to the use of temporary barriers.

“The Environment Agency said it is still committed to working with partners to source funding to develop a capital flood alleviation scheme in Bradford on Avon.”

The barrier has been used in recent years to protect the town centre from significant damage from flooding.

In 2013, shops, offices and homes were flooded to a depth of more than a foot when the River Avon burst its banks.

The town bridge over the river was closed and all the main roads into Bradford on Avon were blocked.

Rail services from Bradford on Avon railway station to Bath, Bristol, Trowbridge, Westbury and the south coast were severely affected.

Plans were later drawn up in 2018 for a £1 million flood alleviation scheme which has yet to be implemented.

The Environment Agency has been approached for a comment on the withdrawal of the temporary flood defence barrier and progress on the flood alleviation scheme.

At the time, it was said to be working in partnership with Wiltshire Council, Bradford on Avon Town Council, Community Emergency Volunteers and other public sector partners to develop the flood alleviation scheme for the town.

An outline scheme developed by the agency includes measures that minimise the visual impact to the local community.

It involves installing ‘unobtrusive’ hinged gates at both sides of the Town Bridge as well as at least four large underground tanks with pumps to ‘hold’ flood water until river levels subside and it can be pumped back into the river.

A public exhibition was staged in the summer of 2018 to share details of their proposals but the town is still waiting on the outcome.