Local knowledge helps in the fight against flooding

Friday, 07 September 2012

Following one of the wettest springs and summers on record, Hampshire County Council is urging residents to help ensure that plans to prepare the county against future flooding are up to date and accurate.

New role as Lead Flood Authority

Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, the County Council has a new role as a Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), which involves managing the flood risk related to groundwater, surface water and ordinary watercourse flooding. The Environment Agency remains responsible for coastal and main river flooding.

As part of this new role, the County Council is responsible for developing a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy - and is now asking local residents and organisations to become involved in the process by using their knowledge to highlight any flooding 'hotspots' in their local area, or confirming if the information about previous flooding is correct.

Six week online consultation

From the end of September a six week online consultation on the strategy is being held, with information gathered during the process used to help assess current and future flood risk and develop plans to prepare for the future. The consultation web pages include maps showing different types of flooding, flood risk and the consequences across Hampshire.

Several 'drop in' events are also being organised across the county to give people the opportunity to find out more about the preparations to combat flooding.

Help us to check if our information is correct

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport said:

"We need everyone's help to check if the information shown on our the maps is accurate. This includes letting us know if there are any significant errors, such as flooding incidents you're aware of that we haven't included, or flooding and flood risk we have included where there haven't been any previous incidents.

"Any help that residents can give us is much appreciated. Local knowledge is a powerful tool in helping us create the most accurate and up to date information, which will go towards making sure we target our resources effectively in the fight against flooding."

Drop in meetings

1 October from 5.00pm - 8.00pm at:
Ringwood Gateway
The Furlong, Ringwood
Hants
BH24 1AT

4 October from 5.00pm - 8.00pm at:
Emsworth Community Centre
Church Path
Emsworth
PO10 7DP

6 October from 10.00am - 2.00pm at:
Winchester Discovery Centre
Jewry Street
Winchester
SO23 8SB

8 October from 5.00pm - 8.00pm at:
Fleet Town Council
The Harlington
236 Fleet Road
Fleet
Hampshire
GU51 4BY

The Environment Agency is also launching a campaign in October to raise awareness of flooding.

• Flooding and flood water management in Hampshire

« News Calendar