2026 - Pre-emptive flooding action needed

Under common law and the Land Drainage Act, owners of land adjacent to a watercourse are designated as Riparian Owners. Riparian owners hold the legal responsibility to maintain the bed and banks of the watercourse running through or alongside their property. This includes keeping the channel clear of any obstructions, overgrown vegetation, silt, or debris to ensure water can flow freely and to minimize local flood risks.

The parish council asks that all local riparian owners kindly inspect their boundaries and arrange for any necessary clearance or maintenance work over the coming weeks. Proactive maintenance by individual landowners is vital to protecting our entire community from waterlogging and flooding during periods of heavy rain.

For detailed guidelines on what your responsibilities entail, you can consult the official UK Government Guide on Owning a Watercourse.

Please also see this leaflet published locally by Green Vale for further information about preventing and managing flood risks.Green Vale flood leaflet July 2026 -final