RINGWOOD residents living close to the River Avon are being urged to keep their ditches and waterways clear in a bid to stop flooding.

Rising water from the Avon and high ground water levels have put homes at risk over several winters.

And while ditches and drains have been dredged in a bid to end the high water levels that left Crow, Hightown Road and Eastfield Lane submerged earlier this year, Hampshire County Council has said it was not possible to prevent all flooding in all parts of the town.

Executive member for economy, transport and environment Seán Woodward said: “Hampshire County Council is aware of issues in this area and has cleared and jetted all the gullies ahead of winter to help the water flow. Regrettably it is not possible to prevent all flooding, and with groundwater levels still relatively high in some areas, there is a risk of further flooding if rainfall is higher than average this winter.

“Being so close to the River Avon, it poses a real problem in this area when it becomes full, as it has a knock-on effect on all the drainage systems.

“I would therefore urge local residents to also help by ensuring ditches and waterways on their own private land are kept clear from any blockages and debris.”