Flood defence event planned following record rainfall (From This Is Wiltshire)

With groundwater levels exceptionally high across Wiltshire this month a flood advice event is being held on October 17 to prepare communities.

Groundwater in the county is currently at levels normally experienced in December after high rainfall over the Summer, and further rain could lead to flooding in at-risk areas, particularly in the Warminster, Salisbury and Kennet areas.

The event, at Warminster Civic Centre from 10am to 3pm, will help town and parish councils to prepare flood plans in the event of emergency, and will include information from the National Flood Forum on the latest flood defence equipment available.

Wiltshire councillor Dick Tonge said: “Due to these high groundwater levels we want to take the opportunity to review local flood plans.

“At this special event we will discuss roles and responsibilities and what steps town and parish councils, the Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council and other organisations take when flooding occurs.

“Unlike river or surface water flooding, groundwater flooding can happen several weeks after the rain. Groundwater levels are very high and it is crucial we go into the winter prepared.”

This event will be chaired by Mike Hewitt and Jonathan Seed, chairmen of Wiltshire’s south and north flood action groups respectively.