Land drainage and flood alleviation

Land owners with a watercourse passing through or adjacent to their land have a responsibility to allow water to freely pass. They are required to maintain the bed and banks of the watercourse, and also the trees and shrubs growing on the banks. They must also clear debris, even if it did not originate from their land. This debris may be natural or man-made, and includes litter and animal carcasses.

Amey Herefordshire together with the Environment Agency and the Internal Drainage Boards in Herefordshire (River Lugg, Lower Wye, and Lower Severn Internal Drainage Boards) ensure landowners undertake this responsibility.
   
To mitigate against flood damage throughout the county, Amey Herefordshire makes a stock of sandbags readily available near to where they are required, encouraging self-help and ultimately improving reaction times in the event of an emergency.

Filled sandbags are issued free of charge to Parish Councils who identify a local need in the event of flooding. They are issued to Parish Councils on the understanding that they are freely available to all residents in the parish as flood defence measures irrespective of their storage location.

Flood alleviation

If you would like to discuss flood alleviation options please contact us on 01432 261800 or email streets@herefordshire.gov.uk