Flooding strategy seeks views

Local residents are being asked to give their comments on a strategy which aims to avert and deal with the risks of increased flooding.

The “Local Flood Risk Management Strategy” is the first of its kind covering the whole of Powys and is required legally as part of new duties set out by the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

Powys County Council is designated under the Act as a “Lead Local Flood Authority” and has prepared the comprehensive Flood Risk Management Strategy to clearly establish the risks of flooding and how and who will manage these over the coming years.

Different agencies have different roles to play under the legislation and householders, businesses and Town and Community Councils can all contribute their views during the consultation period which runs until Thursday 11 July 2013.

Cllr Barry Thomas, Cabinet Member responsible for Land Drainage, said: “Most residents in Powys will, I’m sure, have some concerns about the UK’s changing weather patterns. Increasing rainfall means it’s not just the main rivers that swell and can flood, tributaries, streams, ditches and drains can also overflow and our roads can and do become waterlogged.

“Water running off land that has been saturated by flash or ongoing rainfall can cause landslides not to mention the risk to all properties.

“I would ask all interested parties whether residents, businesses or Town and Community Councils to read the plan and give us feedback either via the online survey or in writing.  This includes informing us of potential areas of risk so our plan is as robust as possible.”

Comments can be given online via the council’s Have Your Say at www.powys.gov.uk and clicking on the link to current surveys.