Press release: Wilton flood defence scheme to be shown at public drop-in event

The Environment Agency is holding a public consultation in Wilton, near Salisbury, to explain how it plans to reduce flood risk to local homes and businesses.

The Environment Agency is keen for local people to share their views on its proposals and any experiences they have of flooding.

The consultation will take place on 10 March 2017 from 3pm to 7pm, at:

Mark Goldingay of the Environment Agency said:

This event is an ideal opportunity for people to learn about the Environment Agency’s latest plans for Wilton. Environment Agency officers will be on hand to explain the proposals and the steps people can take to prepare themselves against flooding. We’d like to hear the views of local residents and look forward to sharing ideas on how best to reduce flood risk in Wilton.

Wilton’s existing flood defences protect some areas in the centre of the town. There are 30 properties currently at risk of flooding from the nearby River Wylye. In large flood events, flood water can bypass the defences and flow across the recreational ground towards the Castle Lane area. Properties in Crow Lane are also at risk.

The proposed solution is to build a raised flood embankment around the edge of the recreational ground, joining the existing flood defences beside Wiley Terrace. The height of the flood bank will be approximately 0.5m above existing levels with shallow side slopes. An access ramp would be provided over the embankment. A flood wall is also being proposed to protect properties in Crow Lane.

The proposed scheme would help protect the 30 properties in the centre of Wilton currently at high risk of flooding.

The Environment Agency aims to secure funding and obtain planning permission for a suitable scheme by the autumn of 2017. It will then draw up a detailed design and carry out further public consultation before starting construction in early 2018. If all goes well, the new scheme should be completed by the summer of 2018.