Flooding

Haddenham Parish Council has formed along with concerned residents a Riparian Owners Flood Group with the aim to educate landowners regarding their Riparian responsibilities to improve the flood resilience of the village.

to raise awareness of riparian responsibilities and to outline a new initiative aimed at reducing the risk of localised flooding. Landowners whose property borders a stream, ditch, or culvert are known as Riparian owners. Under common law in England, riparian owners have a legal duty to maintain the watercourse in a way that allows the unobstructed flow of water. This includes:

• Keeping the channel clear of blockages, debris, and overgrown vegetation
• Maintaining any structures such as culverts, pipes, or headwalls on your land
• Ensuring that water can flow freely and is not polluted or diverted

Maintaining watercourses is essential to reducing flood to properties with watercourse and others upstream - especially during periods of heavy rainfall. In recent years, parts of Haddenham have experienced surface water and drainage issues that could be exacerbated by inadequate maintenance or a lack of coordination between Riparian owners.

The Riparian Owners Flood Group is an informal group will provide a platform for:

•  Sharing best practice and guidance for effective watercourse maintenance
•  Identifying areas of concern and working collectively to resolve them
•  Facilitating communication between residents, the Parish Council, and flood risk officers
•  Supporting residents in understanding and fulfilling their riparian responsibilities

Thank you to all the residents who joined us for our inaugural Flood Group Meeting on the 11th September. It was encouraging to see such large numbers and gave a forum for residents to talk with one another and identify potential issues.  Whether you are already maintaining your section of watercourse or are unsure of your obligations, your involvement is welcome and appreciated in strengthening our communities resilience to flooding across the village.

 For residents who couldn't make the meeting, a short questionnaire (Google Form) can be completed to help us ascertain the problem areas across the village.

Riparian Owners Questionnaire 

A copy of the presentation can be found by clicking on the link below:
Riparian Responsibilities and Flood Resilience in Haddenham
 

For more information on Riparian Responsibilities:
Buckinghamshire Council 
Central Government
Environment Agency  

 

 

Flooding causing a danger to life

You should contact the Fire and Rescue service if flooding is causing a danger to life or limb.
Although their main responsibility is saving lives, they may also help pump out flood water from your property where possible.
Telephone: 999 Online: www.bucksfire.gov.uk

Flooding on the public highway

Contact Buckinghamshire Highways if there is flooding on a public road or footpath caused by a blocked drain or road gully.
In office hours: 01296 382416 Out of office hours: 01296 486630
You may find it easiest to report flooding on a public highway via Buckighamshire Council’s website.

Flooding from a public sewer

Contact your water utility company if the cause of flooding is from a sewer, a burst water main or a household stormwater drain.
Thames Water can be contacted on 0800 316 9800 

Flooding from a main river or reservoir

You should contact the Environment Agency’s Floodline on 0345 988 1188 if the cause of flooding is from a main river or reservoir. If you’re unsure, you can identify a river or watercourse on the Environment Agency’s main river map.

The Environment Agency’s Floodline: 0345 988 1188 provides support and advice regarding flooding.

Their website also contains helpful information on what to do before or during a flood, and after flooding.

Homeowners who have already suffered damage from flooding can also ask their home insurers about the ’Build Back Better’ scheme. If their home insurance includes this scheme as part of the policy, the insurer should work with them to assess if additional flood resilience or resistance measures could benefit their home in the future. The scheme covers the cost of installing such measures up to the value of £10,000, over and above work to repair damage and loss caused by a flood.

 The Property Guide to Flood Resilience aims to inform homeowners about how to reduce flood risk to their homes and the variety of methods available. It also includes contact details for surveyors/providers of Kitemarked flood protection equipment.

The Property Protection Advisor tool allows residents to enter details of their properties, and will provide a breakdown of suitable measures and approximate product costs for their particular property. The tool is free to use and has no ongoing obligations.

You can sign up for flood warnings by phone, text or email.

If you own or lease a property with a watercourse (stream, river, ditch, or culvert) running through or adjacent to your land, you have legal responsibilities as a "riparian owner." These responsibilities help to manage flood risks and maintain water flow.

Find out more on the Environment Agency’s owning a watercourse page.