Introduction
The risk of flooding at Downton is an outcome of the complex river system upstream. At Salisbury the Rivers Bourne, Nadder, and Wylye join the River Avon; just after Salisbury, the River Ebble.
Key rivers are defined by the Environment Agency as Main Rivers – see their main river mapping website.
A key defence against flooding is the management of the water meadows and its network of sluices, ditches, watercourses etc.
This plan has been approved by the Water Meadows and Flood Defence Committee and Downton Parish Council and is designed to provide a basic framework and guidance in managing and mitigating against a major flood incident which may threaten the safety and welfare of the community (both residential and employed), property and livestock but noting that protection of individual properties is an owner responsibility.
The Plan covers the Parish of Downton and encompasses properties that are at risk from flooding. The Plan will be reviewed biennially, with the Clerk, to arrange review dates and notify Committee members accordingly. It will also be reviewed and updated after any major flood incident to reflect lessons learned.
Riparian Responsibilities
If a water course cross or borders your property, then you have defined responsibilities and obligations – see gov.uk advice.
Be Prepared
- Sign up to get flood warnings if your home or business in England is at risk of flooding. The service is free.
- You can get warnings about flooding from rivers, the sea or groundwater, depending on your area.
- You cannot get flood warnings for surface water flooding (sometimes known as ‘flash flooding’).
Guidance from the Environment Agency and the National Flood Forum: