Flooding - be prepared!

Recent years have seen an increase in severe flooding, bringing disruption and distress to householders and businesses. The winter is usually regarded as the time when flooding is most likely, but some of the most severe recent incidents have occurred in the summer because of climate changes.

Changes in weather patterns have demonstrated the need to keep watercourses (the legal name) well maintained and it is an offence to obstruct a watercourse. The District Council and Environment Agency must give consent to proposals affecting a watercourse.

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, or you feel your property could be at risk if a local river or stream floods, there are a number of measures you can take to help yourself.

A range of advice and information is available from the Environment Agency, such as the guides on Preparing for flooding, which contains a range of tips on how to make your home flood resistant.

Flood related guidance and information are produced by the Environment Agency and are available from Floodline on 08459 88 11 88, or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk