The Environment Agency and its project partners are inviting
people to view new artists' impressions and outline designs for a
scheme to reduce flood risk to Guildford town centre.
Guildford has a long history of flooding from the River Wey, and
the Environment Agency continues working in partnership with
Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council on a
long-term sustainable scheme to reduce the high level of flood
risk to the town centre.
The partners are nearing the end of the initial appraisal stage
of the project and will soon be submitting a business case to
provide justification for the scheme.
To showcase the scheme designs, the Environment Agency is hosting
two information afternoons on Saturday 17 January, 12pm to 5pm at
the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, and on Thursday 22 January,
3pm to 6pm at the Guildford Borough Council offices.
There will also be an online Microsoft Teams presentation on
Tuesday 20 January, 7pm to 8pm which can be registered for
at https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FQHX
Jon Mansbridge, Environment Agency project director, said
We're delighted to invite the community to our public information
events, where we'll unveil the latest artistic impressions of the
Guildford Flood Alleviation Scheme.
This once-in-a-generation project will not only reduce flood risk
but also help unlock the potential for vibrant town centre
regeneration.
Cllr Julia McShane, Leader of Guildford Borough Council, said:
Flooding can have a devastating impact on our homes, businesses
and daily lives, and we want to do everything we can to reduce
that risk. The Guildford Flood Alleviation Scheme is an important
step towards protecting our town for the future.
I'd love to see as many residents as possible come along, meet
the team and find out more about the plans. Your views really
matter. Together, we can make Guildford stronger and more
resilient.
Visit Guildford
Flood Alleviation Scheme to find out more and
follow Guildford Flood
Alleviation Scheme on X.
People can also email guildfordfloodscheme@environment-agency.gov.uk with
feedback or questions, and to request to be added to the
newsletter mailing list.
BeFloodReady - check flood risk and sign up for flood
warnings by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188 or sign up at
GOV.uk.Background
- Well tested flood-protection plans remain in place for
Guildford, and the Environment Agency continues to work closely
with other professional partners, including the fire service and
Surrey County Council, to help those at greatest risk.
- The Environment Agency regularly maintains the River Wey to
help reduce flooding, including cutting back vegetation and
removing blockages.
- There is also a temporary defence management plan for
Guildford, covering Mary Road and William Road, which sets out
how the Environment Agency can deploy temporary flood barriers in
these areas if a flood warning is issued.
