The Environment Agency held a public drop in session on Thursday 21 January for the local community to find out more about the Godalming Flood Alleviation Scheme, and share their ideas on what it could look like.
Working with Jeremy Hunt MP, Local councils, and other partners including Surrey County Council, Godalming Flood Group and Thames Water on the options for the Godalming Flood Alleviation Scheme. This will reduce flood risks to homes and businesses along the River Wey.
The drop-in session was held at The Borough Hall in Godalming on Thursday evening with Jeremy Hunt MP and the Town Council, along with staff from the Environment Agency addressing attendees. There was information on display and experts on hand to talk about the scheme. Information was also shared on how work has progressed since the Wey Strategy was published in 2010 and visitors could also find out about the possible next steps and likely timescales.
Jeremy Hunt MP for South West Surrey commented "A great deal of hard work has been put into finding viable solutions to the dreadful floods of 2013. This drop in event for those affected or concerned by local flooding issues was an excellent opportunity for residents to have their views heard and I appreciated so many people coming along asking questions and giving their views."
Dave Bedlington, FCRM Manager for the Environment Agency said "We really wanted to get local residents involved in the scheme, to hear their views on the proposals and explore what other benefits it could bring to the local area, in addition to reducing flood risk to over 61 residential properties and businesses."
Residents who came to the event also had the chance to find out if they were at risk of flooding.
Over 120 people attended the event. The results from the feedback forms submitted at the end of the evening will be summarised and circulated in due course.