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New study shows Burnham is at risk from sea flooding
A map released by the agency (pictured right) shows the two towns could be affected in the event of a major breach of the sea wall. Flood water could even be lapping at the foot of Brent Knoll and go as far inland as Huntspill and Burtle if the sea breached Burnham's sea wall and the River Brue broke its banks. Climate change, global warming and predicted sea level rises were all taken into account when drawing up the map, which shows the areas that would be affected in a flood, and also in extreme flood conditions. Many parts of the two towns have been rated as significant or moderate and have a 1-in-75 chance or greater, of flooding in any year. Parts of Berrow, Brean and Huntspill have also been given this rating. Brent Knoll and East Brent have been rated as low risk but still carry a 1-in-200 chance of flooding.
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), they have been using various versions of the map for years. An ABI spokesman said: "Insurers have used this flood map for many years and it is just a way of getting more accurate data." A spokesman
for the Environment Agency added: "To assist householders and insurers
in providing insurance, we have supplied ABI member insurance companies
with information that gives a national assessment of likelihood of flooding,
from rivers and the sea, within the floodplain, taking into account
flood defences. It
provides the first step for insurers in assessing insurance." HAVE
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Thousands
of homes in Burnham and Highbridge are at risk from flooding, according
to a new study from the Environment Agency. 
A
spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "Although this rating
takes flood defences in the area into account, they reduce but do not
completely remove the likelihood of flooding and can be overtopped or
fail in extreme weather conditions."