SCHOOLCHILDREN helped to mark the end of the first phase of a key flood protection scheme for the Somerset Levels and Moors on Friday (December 19).

The youngsters from Othery and Middlezoy Primary schools joined Cllr John Osman to officially reopen the A372 just in time for Christmas following the completion of stage one of works at Beer Wall.

The milestone follows the installation of a 60 tonne temporary bridge which will allow the road to reopen for the winter after an 11-week road closure.

Cllr Osman, leader of Somerset County Council and chairman of the Flood Action Plan leaders’ implementation group, said: “I know its closure has been a real headache for many motorists.

“We thank everyone for their patience and hope they appreciate that the scheme is a key part of the long-term plan to reduce the risk and impact of flooding.

“I’d also like to thank all the staff from the council, contractors and the other agencies who have worked together and tremendously hard to complete this phase of the work in a fraction of the time it would usually take.

“Everyone living in this area, including the children here today, will have seen first-hand the impacts of last winter’s floods. I hope that today’s reopening gives them some reassurance that a great deal of work is taking place to manage the issue of flooding on the levels.”

The A372 at Beer Wall was closed for several weeks in the winter, at first due to flooding and then to accommodate emergency pumping.

Phase two of the scheme will see the culverts put in place. It is scheduled to take place in the spring and will require a further road closure. Phase three of the scheme will be the Environment Agency work to increase the capacity of the Sowy.

This should not require a road closure.