Several Agencies have statutory duties to reduce and manage flooding and contacts for these are set out below.

Riparian owners living alongside the Letcombe Brook have a legal responsibility to maintain the area of brook adjacent to their land, as well as vegetation on the banks, so as not to create a flood risk. Riparian owners can face legal action if the lack of maintenance of their watercourse causes flooding. You may also have responsibility for the operation and maintenance of any water control structures (such as sluices) on your property.

If you have concerns about flood risk on a section of the Letcombe Brook please contact the Project Officer for impartial advice. It is also worth creating a Flood Plan, especially if your property has been flooded in the past. Sign up for Flood Warning Direct (link below).

Potential flood risk is an additional factor for review in planning applications submitted by riparian owners to the Vale of the White Horse District Council. The District Council has the power to carry out works to fix local flooding issues but the cost of these works would be charged back to the responsible person or organisation.

Useful information giving help with flooding issues can be found from:

Environment Agency – Managing Flood Risk; Rules and Responsibilities
www.gov.uk/guidance/owning-a-watercourse#manage-flood-risk-rules-and-responsibilities

Oxfordshire County Council Flood Tool Kit www.oxfordshirefloodtoolkit.com

Vale of the White Horse District Council – Flood Advice
www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/services-and-advice/environment-and-neighbourhood-issues/severe-weather/flooding

Flood Warning Direct www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings