AN earth bank will be built to protect homes in one of the villages in Somerset worst affected by the winter floods.

The ring bank flood protection scheme planned for Thorney is part of the 20-year Flood Action Plan for Somerset.

The Parrett Drainage Board will build the bank west of the village; it will improve flood protection for around ten homes and the nearest road.

John Osman, Somerset County Council leader and chairman of the FAP Leaders Implementation Group, said: “The proposal for a ring bank at Thorney is well supported locally so I am delighted to see it moving forward. No single piece of work can solve the problem of flooding on the Levels on its own, but all together they can make a difference.”

The cost of the scheme is not yet known, but it will be paid for through local and national grants, with the FAP Programme Board paying any extras necessary.