Sluice gate protecting homes and wildlife gets refit

A £9.7m project will help extend the life of a sluice gate, which protects homes, businesses and habitats from flooding.

The Dunball Sluice started life in 1971 and is used by the Environment Agency to control water flows across the Somerset Levels and Moors.

The agency has upgraded some mechanical elements of the gate, including measures to help otters and eels move more easily between water courses.

The sluice can block the flow of tidal saltwater from the River Parrett into the nearby King's Sedgemoor Drain, which protects freshwater habitats, as well as control water levels to reduce flooding.