Surrey County Council is working hard to protect communities from flooding – and there’s plenty that residents can do themselves to prevent flooding or minimise its impact.
Check the risk and be prepared
Residents are advised to check their flood risk by visiting flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk or calling the Floodline on 0345 988 1188. There is also the opportunity to register for flood alerts.
If there is a risk of flooding, there’s advice on how to be prepared at surreycc.gov.uk/surreyprepared.
If you or someone you know is vulnerable, requires additional assistance or has additional communication needs then you can sign up to the Priority Services Register by contacting your utility providers. It is free and can help you or a loved one to stay safe, warm and independent at home.
Minimise the chances of flooding
Residents who own land next to a ditch, stream or brook are ‘riparian landowners’ – this means that they are responsible for keeping these ditches, streams and brooks clear, even though they may seem to be beyond their boundary or run through a piped section.
Over the autumn, leaves and branches fall and silt builds up. Keeping ditches, and other watercourses, clear could help prevent homes from flooding later in the winter. Visit surreycc.gov.uk/floodingadvice for more information.
Reducing the risk of flooding
Last year, Surrey County Council committed to spending £270 million over 10 years on long term flood risk management work across Surrey to protect homes and roads.
There are a number of schemes in development or already completed which will reduce the risk of flooding in a number of Surrey communities. These are all being done with the Environment Agency and other partners.
- Last month, Surrey County Council’s cabinet gave the go ahead to a scheme which will help 205 properties at risk of flooding in Caterham on the Hill. The scheme is looking for ways to hold back surface water and release it slowly.
- Surrey County Council agreed last year to fund its share of the River Thames Scheme, which is proposed to protect homes between Egham Hythe and Shepperton. The scheme is awaiting government approval before planning can progress further.
- The Sanway-Byfleet Flood Alleviation Scheme will reduce flooding for up to 153 properties through a combination of flood walls and embankments.
- A 525 metre flood wall has been built along the banks of the Hell Ditch to reduce flooding in the Meadrow and Catteshall area of Godalming. The scheme, which was completed last year, protects 90 properties.
Natalie Bramhall, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “It’s devastating when homes and businesses flood, as it causes damage which can take many months and a lot of money to put right. But checking the risk, and taking precautions – including ensuring waterways around our properties are clear – are just some of the things we can do ourselves.
“Meanwhile, Surrey County Council – working with the Environment Agency and other partners – will continue to investigate and progress schemes right across the county which will protect homes from ground and river flooding.”
