River Avon bursts its banks flooding homes and roads in Salisbury

The river broke its banks last night (Saturday, January 6), flooding the coach car park at River Park where work started last year to combat high river levels.

The River Avon burst its banks in #Salisbury last night despite the work of the River Park project.

Residents in Ashley Road had to be evacuated.

FULL STORY: https://t.co/EGGNTrn1L8

Video credit: James Downey pic.twitter.com/ePGBgliZbn

— Adele Bouchard (@adele_bouchard) January 7, 2024

In Ashley Road, where flood defence walls were installed as part of the project, residents were evacuated from their homes.

Councillor Paul Sample visited the site this morning and said six houses have been flooded and Ashley Road is closed to traffic in both directions. Milford Road has also been closed.

Flooding in Ashley Road (Image: Contributed)

READ MORE: Drone pictures show extent of flooding after river bursts its banks

Cllr Sample said: "Salisbury City Council staff made arrangements for the depot to be opened up and a supply of sandbags was released.

"Volunteers from the area (including Spire Removals) used their vehicles to move the sandbags down to Ashley Road. A supply of sand from a building site was also brought into use.

"The sandbags were put in place to protect the most-threatened properties for about 100m to the west of the incident. Impressive work from the volunteers."

Flooding in Ashley Road (Image: Paul Sample)

The city councillors have asked the Environment Agency to attend the next Salisbury City Council meeting to report back on why this happened and to answer questions.

One resident, who was helping neighbours battling water in Middleton Road, was advised to move her car to higher ground. With nowhere else to park due to the flooding the woman, who asked to remain anonymous, was forced to park over double yellow lines and got back to her car at 9am to find a parking fine.

Cllr Charles McGrath, who was checking door to door to make sure residents were safe last night, posted on Facebook that the Wiltshire duty engineer would be visiting Milford Mill Road to assess the rising water levels on the River Bourne.

SEE ALSO: Village still submerged in water following heavy rainfall

Cllr McGrath’s post read: “The River Bourne has reached its highest level since 2014 following Storm Henk.

“Pedestrian access to Milford Mill Bridge is currently limited due to flooding. Please don’t attempt to cross.

“Please try to avoid Milford Mill Road if you’re travelling by car.”

Salisbury Walk In Centre posted on Facebook: "Please be aware that the river at Avon Approach has broken its banks along by Salisbury Walk In Centre.

"You can however still access the Centre by parking in the Central Car Park and crossing over the bridge. Walk down the riverside walk towards Millstream coach park. Turn left at the sign to Salisbury Walk In Centre. Follow the footpath and the Walk In Centre is on the right."