BROCKENHURST VILLAGE FLOOD PLAN - Resident Information

The flood risk to property in Brockenhurst is low with a small number of properties being at a 1% (1 in 100) or greater risk of flooding each year.  However ground flooding from the Lymington River can create disruption by blocking roads and pathways.

This Parish Council information sheet addresses action needed to deal with flooding.

The Environment Agency Web site identifies the risk areas. Click on  www.environment-agency.gov.uk and enter your postcode in the "Flood Map" box.

Useful Telephone Numbers
For the latest information Call Floodline on 0845 988 1188
When prompted enter quickdial number 012241

ORGANISATION	TEL. NO.	ORGANISATION	TEL. NO.
Environment Agency	0845 933 3111	The Flood Control Cell (Parish Office)	01590 622829
District Council	02380 285000	The Flood Relief Centre (Village Hall)	01590 623708
County Council	01962 841841	British Telecom (Residential Faults)	0800 800 151
Hampshire Highways West	02380 427000	Electricity Company	0845 7444 555
Fire & Rescue Service	999	Gas Company	0800 111 999
Police	0845 04545 45 or 999	NHS Direct	0845 4647
Local Doctors	01590 622272	Lymington Hospital	01590 677011

How can I help?
Undoubtedly prevention and preparation are key and the best method of reducing risk is to ensure the watercourses around you are clear. However there is often confusion over clearing responsibilities and as a result over the last 25 years many ditches have become ineffective.

Rural landowners are often responsible for watercourses outside their property. Owners should familiarise themselves with riparian law (see below). This, generally, means no more than being a good neighbour and clearing ditches to enable other to discharge excess water through watercourse for which you are responsible. At the same time you will enjoy the same rights over other land. Keeping watercourse clear will also help reduce the level of the water table and in turn will reduce the risk of springs forming and undermining foundations.

Flood Warnings
The Environment Agency (EA) provides four levels of flood warnings

Flood Watch	Flooding is possible. Be aware! Be prepared! Watch out!
Flood Warning	Flooding of homes, businesses and main roads is expected. Act now!
Severe Flood Warning	Severe flooding is expected. Imminent danger to life and property. Act now!
All Clear	There are no Flood Watches or Flood Warnings currently in force in the area.

These are broadcast on: BBC TV - South, ITV - Meridian - South, + Teletext page 169

103.2 Power FM, BBC Radio Solent, Capital Gold Hampshire, Ocean FM, Virgin (AM), Wave 105 FM

Individuals may call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 & when prompted enter quickdial number 012241.

What will the Parish Council do?
The Council has put in place arrangements for Neighbourhood Watches to disseminate any Flood or Severe Flood Warnings to affected areas together with additional local information. Using local knowledge the Parish Council will assist the Environment Agency, County and District Councils the Emergency Services in prioritising actions and mobilising resources.

On receipt of a Flood Watch warning no action will be taken.

On receipt of a Flood Warning the Parish Council, in conjunction with other authorities, will decide whether to initiate use of the Parish Office in Highwood Road as Co-ordination Cell.

On receipt of a Severe Flood Warning the Parish Council in conjunction with other authorities, will decide whether to initiate the use of the Village Hall in Highwood Road as a Relief Centre.

What should I do if I suffer a flood?

• Move to a safe area if life is at risk
• Prevent water from entering property if possible
• Switch off electricity and gas supplies at mains
• Move valuable possessions above floor areas liable to be flooded
• Contact the Village Flood Control Cell

Prevention Equipment-Sandbags
If you need to purchase ready filled sandbags call NFDC Marsh Lane Lymington Depot on 023 8028 5095. (For empty sandbags call 023 8028 5078). In Flooding situations – filled sandbags will be provided free of charge to people whose property is in danger of flooding. Bags can be delivered but, if possible, people are encouraged to collect them from Marsh Lane. Commercial Prices for empty bags in (in 2003) are Rot proof Hessian 60p each; Hessian 27p each.

One commercial stockist is: - Greenham Trading Ltd, Unit 13/14a Centre Trading Estate,Northam, Southampton. 02380 632424

Some Flood Protection Equipment Suppliers
Extensive lists can be found on the web - www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/flood/  A number of these companies are: -

Flood Limited Lyng, Norfolk, www.uk-flood-protection.co.uk	BAC Consulting Ltd Southern Office 27 Tollard Close, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4AT Tel: 0845 0520918 Fax: 0845 2801946 Website: www.buildingadvice.co.uk
Pro –Earth Development Ltd 18 North Road WARMINSTER BA12 9BO 01985 218397	Floodgate Ltd. 49-51 Lammas Street, Camarthen, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA31 3AL Tel: 01267 234205 Fax: 01267 234205 Website: www.floodgate.ltd.uk
Rapidam Hydroscience Ltd. The Hangers, Bishops Waltham, Hants, SO32 1EF Tel: 01489 890900 Fax: 01329 832813 Email: sales@hydroscience.co.uk Website: www.rapidam.com	Restoration Express 47A Wrecclesham Rd, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 8TY Tel: 01252 726106 Fax: 01252 715725 EMail: info@restoration-express.co.uk Website: www.restoration-express.co.uk

A Brief Summary of Riparian Law

RIPARIAN OWNER	The owner of land on the banks or under the bed of a natural watercourse.
WATERCOURSE	A river, stream, ditch, drain, culvert, dyke, sluice, sewer and passage through which water flows. (excluding public sewers)
RIPARIAN OWNER	You are a riparian owner if you have an open or piped watercourse located: - directly on your land directly adjoining the boundary of your land
	You are likely to be a riparian owner if you have an open or piped watercourse located: - directly outside of your property and adjacent to the road
WHERE YOU ARE THE RIPARIAN OWNER OF A WATERCOURSE IT IS FOR YOU TO: -	maintain the watercourse and any associated structures
	keep the watercourse and any associated structures free of obstructions
YOUR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A WATERCOURSE AND KEEP IT FREE OF OBSTRUCTION MAY RESULT IN: -	a drainage problem for your neighbours and other landowners
	severe surface water flooding and water possibly entering houses
	enforcement action being taken against you by the local authority
CONSENT FROM THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY AND LOCAL AUTHORITY IS REQUIRED BEFORE ANYONE CAN:-	erect or alter any structure or culvert which is liable to obstruct the flow of a watercourse

Special Note In times of emergency and by agreement with Denny Lodge Parish Council Brockenhurst Parish Council is pleased to extend assistance to the residents of Whitley Ridge.

Posted 10th Nov 2004