CHARD Town Council has revealed it will take measures to mitigate the impacts of flooding in the area.

The town council will reinstate ditches which have been filled in, and also look to install new storm water culverts in areas where this is not practical.

The news comes after flash flooding in several areas of the town in May earlier this year, which caused damage and disruption - flooding properties and even leading to a necessary permanent repair to the Crimchard road.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: "Chard Town Council owns, leases or has control over large areas of open space.

"Before the winter all the ditches that have over the years been filled in will be reinstated.

"Where this is impractical, we will look to installing culverts.

"It’s hoped this action will spur on other land owners to follow the councils lead.

"It should not be underestimated how much water can be stored in well maintained ditches."

Operations Manager for the council, Kevin Dyer, said: “This is a significant piece of work which will the several weeks, and I hope others will join us in recreating this traditional water management scheme."