CLAIMS that ditch and gully clearing in Dorset have been stopped have been denied.

Beaminster councillor Craig Monks says he has been told by a Dorset Council officer that there was no longer a specific budget for the work which helps to keep roads and other areas clear of flood water.

In a reply to Cllr Monks, Dorset Council leader Cllr Nick Ireland says the highways drainage budget has not been cut.

“During the summer, the Highway Service reassessed the upcoming ditching and drainage work to ensure it could be delivered within the available budget.

"The work can be delivered within the existing budget and will be carried out during this financial year… we are looking at a transformative programme, Hedge to Hedge, which will have a positive impact on how we carry out such work in the future.”