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Flood warning

AS this autumn has seen higher than average rainfall throughout England, and there is a likelihood that this winter will be warmer and wetter than normal, it is important that everyone in Wiltshire is prepared for a potentially increased risk of flooding.

Groundwater flooding can be an issue in Wiltshire because of the chalk geology of the area, with the Salisbury Plain and Cranbourne Chase areas particularly at risk.

Groundwater levels in parts of Wiltshire are currently higher than average for this time of year, and although there is not expected to be an immediate risk of flooding, it is important that people are prepared.

Unlike river flooding, groundwater flooding does not usually pose a risk to life, but it can cause significant damage to property, as it takes a long time to clear and it can make access to properties difficult for a prolonged period.

It is difficult to predict when and where groundwater flooding will occur. Wiltshire Council works closely with the Environment Agency, and town and parish councils through its network of flood wardens to ensure communities are as resilient as possible when dealing with potential flooding, and to help them prepare effectively.

While it is not anticipated that there is an immediate risk of river or groundwater flooding in Wiltshire, further prolonged periods of heavy rainfall may see the Environment Agency issue flood alerts across the county.

It is therefore important that people are prepared, so they know what to do in the event of a flood, and that they are signed up for Environment Agency flood alerts. Anyone in a river or groundwater flood risk area should be wary of an increased risk of flooding in Wiltshire this winter.

We have been working closely with our parish councils and volunteer flood wardens to ensure they are as ready as they can be. We recently held training sessions with our volunteer flood wardens in parishes throughout the county, and they are well prepared and supplied with emergency equipment such as sandbags, but we must not be complacent to the risk of flooding.

In the Salisbury area, which could be at risk from river flooding in the event of increased rain, sleet or snow, the Environment Agency has produced new flood maps that show greater detail about how the city reacts to potential river flooding. To see these new maps, and how they may affect properties in the Salisbury area, people should contact the Environment Agency.

In October, several partner agencies – including Wiltshire Council, the Environment Agency, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the military – took part in a successful exercise to test the speed and efficiency of the army in setting up temporary flood barriers to reduce flood risk to properties in Salisbury. We have planned and are well prepared for any potential flooding in Salisbury this winter.

Flood wardens are active in many parishes throughout Wiltshire. They are responsible for their parish’s flood plan, and have access to flood prevention equipment such as sandbags and gel-sack alternatives. They can also contact local people in the event of a flood.

To find your parish’s flood plan, search your parish council’s website; to sign up for general and river flood alerts, go to www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings; to sign up for the Wiltshire groundwater flood warning service, go to www.gov.uk/government/news/new-groundwater-flood-warning-service-for-dorset-and-wiltshire.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, Conservative, Cabinet member for highways, transport and waste, Wiltshire Council

Cllr Derek Brown, Conservative, Chairman of the Salisbury flood working group, Salisbury City Council

Stop the drinking

IT WASN’T that long ago that the staggering fact emerged that Trowbridge, our county town, was the capital of Wiltshire’s knife crime. Now we have another incident.

I have a few issues with this case, namely that the churchyard of St James’ has been an open drinking den for years now. The early hours of the morning that this was carried out must surely raise alarm bells, so taking both into account I was surprised to hear that ‘the victim was able to stagger to our police station where officers were able to treat him’.

Could they be better employed stopping the desecration of our churchyards by these drinking gangs? A covert camera would reveal all required information and being a graveyard I can’t see anyone raising the privacy issue.

It’s time to get a grip. Drinking is heavily related to all types of crime and you won’t stop drinking from a police station. We all know the areas concerned, but can only imagine why our otherwise fantastic police do little about it.

Mark Griffiths, Pavely Gardens, Trowbridge