Addressing the Impact of Flooding on St Mary’s Churchyard in Mudford

This week, the Three Villages Flood Group has been actively engaging with both national and regional media outlets concerning a deeply distressing incident in our community. Recent heavy flooding has led to significant erosion in the churchyard of St Mary’s Church in Mudford, resulting in the exposure of human remains. Bones have been discovered on the roadside adjacent to the church, a situation that is profoundly upsetting for all involved.

These remains belong to individuals who were laid to rest, and their disturbance is a stark reminder of the escalating severity of flooding in our area. Families are upset and concerned, for those who  have relatives buried at St. Mary’s.Church, this even more distressing. The combination of increased rainfall and inadequate drainage has exacerbated soil erosion, leading to such unfortunate events.

Actions Taken
Upon discovery, the appropriate authorities were promptly notified, and all formal procedures have been meticulously followed to ensure the remains are handled with the utmost respect and care. The community, along with church officials, is committed to preserving the sanctity of the resting place and preventing such occurrences in the future.

Call for Enhanced Flood Defenses
In light of this incident, we are intensifying our call for improved flood defenses in Mudford and the surrounding areas. The proposed housing development on the hillside at Upper Mudford raises significant concerns about increased surface runoff, which could further exacerbate flooding in the lower-lying regions, including the vicinity of St Mary’s Church.

We urge Somerset Council, The Environment Agency, and other relevant bodies to prioritise the implementation of robust flood mitigation measures. This includes conducting thorough assessments of the potential impacts of new housing developments on flood risk, ensuring that adequate drainage and protective infrastructures are in place.

Community Involvement
The Three Villages Flood Group remains dedicated to advocating for the safety and well-being of our community. We encourage residents to stay informed, participate in local meetings, and support initiatives aimed at enhancing our flood resilience.

Together, we can work towards safeguarding our heritage and ensuring that such distressing incidents do not recur.

The Three Villages Flood Group remains dedicated to advocating for the safety and well-being of our community. We encourage residents to stay informed, participate in local meetings, and support initiatives aimed at enhancing our flood resilience.

Together, we can work towards safeguarding our heritage and ensuring that such distressing incidents do not recur.

For more information and updates, please visit our website and follow us on social media.