WORK has started on a blueprint for the future to safeguard the entire city after the Environment Agency presented a detailed flood risk assessment.

Protection is already in place for Salisbury's Cathedral Close, home to the Magna Carta, but the new initiative will create an overall strategy for the city.

A meeting of key figures from Wiltshire Council, Salisbury City Council, the Environment Agency and local MP John Glen's office, set out the priorities which will form the basis of the flood plan.

The next step is the launch of the new Salisbury Operational Flood Working Group.

Wiltshire Council already provides a flood emergency kit to parishes which includes sandbags and warnings signs and will be organising a flood warden training day for those who wish to volunteer.

Jonathon Seed, cabinet member for flooding, said: "I was delighted that the meeting was able to progress flood alleviation in Salisbury with representation from the councils and agencies concerned coming together for the first time. We look forward to working together in the future to reduce flood effects on Salisbury.

"I hope that local people will volunteer for training as flood wardens as experience has shown that where flooding is concerned locals know best."

Wiltshire council has invested £1 million in capital drainage schemes in this financial year and has a full programme of works including cleaning, repairs and CCTV for drainage systems throughout the county.

Over last year’s Christmas and New Year period more than 500 properties and 60 businesses were flooded in the county. In September this year more than 60 properties reported internal flooding, along with 14 businesses and two schools.

The Environment Agency gave £282,000 to help fund repair work following the Christmas and New Year’s flooding in six community areas and has helped with the installation of resilience measures including flood doors.