RIPARIAN OWNER WORKSHOP

MONKSILVER PARISH COUNCIL

Dear Parishioner, Riparian Owner Workshop

You have been sent this letter because the Monksilver River runs through, beneath or adjacent to your property and as such you are a riparian owner or occupier, with certain legal maintenance responsibilities. As a riparian owner you have maintenance responsibility to the middle of the river at the boundary of your property, or the whole river if it runs through your property.

In the Summer of 2025, the Environment Agency wrote to all riparian owners within Monksilver informing them that they would be withdrawing their voluntary vegetation clearance of the river. The Parish Council and the Somerset Rivers Authority have opposed this, but without increased funding it is likely that this support will be withdrawn.

In preparation for this, the Parish Council has arranged an interactive workshop, provided by the Somerset Rivers Authority, to help advise and guide riparian owners regarding their legal responsibilities in maintaining the river. The workshop will run from 6pm to 7.30pm on Monday 21st September.

You are formally invited to this workshop and urged to attend as this will help keep the village safe from flooding and ensure you avoid legal action for failing to carry out your responsibilities. Please email vicechair@monksilverparishcouncil.gov.uk to confirm your attendance or WhatsApp 07960608219

Yours faithfully

Paul Appleton Monksilver Parish Council