Wiltshire Council is reorganising the way it deals with flooding issues to deliver a more effective service.

The creation of the new council this year provides a unique opportunity to streamline and build on previous partnership working on dealing with this issue.

In the past the then district councils were responsible for dealing with flooding on land and the county council dealt with flooding on the roads.

The new set up will combine both roles ensuring effective flood prevention and quick responses in emergencies.

This structure builds on the flood working groups previously run by district councils in north Wiltshire and Salisbury that brought together relevant partners. The council is currently consulting with the chairmen of these working groups, the Environment Agency and the water companies.

The role of the council covers responding to flooding, carrying out routine maintenance to prevent water building up in the first place, and working with partners to develop and implement schemes that resolve flooding problems.

Under the new set up a flood risk group will take the lead in flood risk management arising from the draft legislation being considered by central Government and will concentrate on strategic matters.

Two flood working groups have been formed. One will cover the Bristol Avon and Thames catchment areas and the second the Salisbury Avon. These will organise routine maintenance to prevent flooding and will work with the parish councils, the Environment Agency, water authorities and others to develop and implement schemes to resolve flooding problems.

This year the council is set to spend £500,000 on land drainage issues and spend a further £250,000 for highway drainage.

Cabinet member for highways Dick Tonge said: “We know the misery that is caused for families when their homes are flooded, we also know the danger when highways are covered in water. We will be constantly looking at ways we can reduce the risk of flooding and will take swift actions should the worst happen. I am pleased Howard Greenman will be chairing the northern group and Mike Hewitt the one in the south. Both of my fellow councillors have considerable experience in managing such issues.”

“These new arrangements build on the successes of the past and enable us to provide a much more effective and streamlined service.”