I am strongly supporting the calls by residents in the villages of Martinstown, Winterbourne Abbas and Winterbourne Steepleton for speedy action to tackle local flooding issues and improve flood management.  Today’s public meeting in Martinstown Village Hall was a step in the right direction but agencies, such as the Highways Authority and Dorset County Council, need to up their game.  In particular riperian owners need to have a clear guide about their responsibilities for keeping the river flow going without hurting protected wildlife.   There is also a need for co-ordinated work on the river, which the newly formed Community Action Groups are to take charge of.  There is some good news for homes effected by the flooding in 2012.  Flood surveys will be carried out at each property before the end of the year and the results of these will be used to get grants for individual flood protection plans in 2014.  The Highways Authority have also said that they will prioritise clearing the river bed in Winterbourne Abbas on an annual basis.

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