People in Stone can have their say on how flood risk can be reduced in the town and across the county as Staffordshire County Council adopts a joint plan with Shropshire.
The county council is the lead authority on local flooding and is working with Shropshire Council, as it says that authority shares similar issues. The council says a new joint plan will mean Staffordshire is better prepared for flooding and can improve how it manages the risks involved. By working together, it says, both councils can make the most of their resources and share expertise.
A consultation into flood risk management has been extended until the end of September. Staffordshire’s environment leader Gill Heath said the county council wants to know people’s views and priorities so they can help shape future plans.
The new strategy will provide an overview of flood risk in Staffordshire and which organisations have responsibilities for managing it. It will set out how the council and other organisations will to work together with local communities to manage flood risk from a variety of sources – including surface water, groundwater and smaller watercourses. People can submit their views until 30th September.
New legislation is set to be introduced, which will mean development plans without adequate drainage systems can be blocked.
Gill Heath said: “Flooding can have a devastating impact on communities and the local economy and the new strategy is a step forward in managing and minimising flood risk. This is about better coordination, planning and supporting people and business in understanding flooding risk and reducing it.
“By working with Shropshire Council we can use our resources as effectively as possible and share expertise. Our aim is to give people better insight into preventing flood risk and alleviate problems by working with people or organisations that may be responsible. The new legislation will also mean new developments must have adequate drainage systems and therefore reduce flooding risk.”
Of course, we know all about flooding in Stone after the recent incidents at Meaford and elsewhere in the town in 2012 and 2013, so please have your say on the new strategy.
The consultation strategy, a summary and supporting documents can be viewed and downloaded at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/environment/Flood-Risk-Management
