In November 2023, Pewsey Parish Council put significant effort into the Emergency Response and Flood Mitigation plans. The plan was completed and published one day before a significant flooding event in the village and therefore was tested for real. It worked well, and what was particularly impressive was the support of both the team members and the local community. Since then, there have been 3 other flooding events which have called for support from the emergency team. Looking at the river data we have back to 2007, events are becoming more frequent. This work therefore has assumed critical importance for the Council.
As a result, a separate Flood Working Group (FWG) was formed comprising councillors and local residents who are affected. It includes members with expertise in the complex landscape of flooding and the diverse range of agencies involved. Effort is driven by a rolling action plan that is a combination of self-help tasks and larger infrastructure projects requiring support from external agencies. In the past 6 months the FWG has undertaken debris clearance in the river Avon, which is an ongoing task as flood waters continually bring in material. We are currently planning to install River level telemetry that will proving warning to at risk properties. We have recently issued the government’s flooding advice leaflet plus our own reminding riparian (river bank) owners of their responsibilities to maintain their portion of the river. In the longer term, more ambitious projects include water capture in the area of the Scotchel, and further upstream, to control the flow through the village. Similarly, we are focussed on the frequent flooding of Southcott Road around Kings Corner to identify land drainage options that might alleviate the problem. There are also numerous potential projects to address the other cause of incidents which is surface water. A second leaflet drop will focus on prevention measures for surface water such a door barriers and sump pump options to combat ground water. Climate change will keep the issue relevant and live, and the Council will respond by an effective FWG that focusses on identifying and delivering solutions that bring real benefit.
Further Information:
If you are at risk of flooding:
https://www.gov.uk/prepare-for-flooding
If you have a watercourse on your property:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/owning-a-watercourse