Environment Agency boss visits Britford following flooding concerns

As previously reported, the village just outside of Salisbury is a flooding hotspot but residents said this year has been the worst they have seen in more than 40 years.

The Journal understands water entered eight houses and at least one had to be evacuated due to intense flooding.

READ MORE: Britford flood is the 'worst it has ever been' according to residents

David and Peggy Knight's house flooded for the first time in 28 years on Friday morning, January 5.

The couple came downstairs to find water pouring into their house, a problem which only worsened over the weekend as the river level rose to a record 141cm at Harnham Bridge on Sunday, January 7.

Brian Wheeler, 86, a former dredging company boss, thinks the fact that the Environment Agency stopped the practice has contributed to flooding in Britford.

Despite living in the village for two decades, Mr Wheeler said he has never seen it flood as bad as it has this month.

Philip Duffy, the CEO of the Environment Agency visited on Friday, January, 12, to meet with flood-affected residents and understand the challenges which homeowners have faced on the River Avon in the last decade.

It was very good to welcome the CEO of the @EnvAgency, Philip Duffy, to Britford this afternoon to meet flood-affected residents and listen to representations from local councillors.

1/3 pic.twitter.com/Newf8HQVHs

— John Glen MP (@JohnGlenUK) January 12, 2024

Salisbury MP, John Glen said: "I am fortunate to have worked with Phil in the Treasury, and having moved to the EA, he has already hit the ground running with new energy and determination brought to the organisation. I am grateful to Derek Finnis, Chair of Britford Parish Council, for coordinating the discussion.

"I invited Cllrs Pauline Church, Annie Riddle, Sam Charleston, and Sven Hocking to share the experiences of residents in Ashley Road, Harnham, and Wilton where residents faced flooding last weekend. They also raised the issue of the advice provided by the EA to Wiltshire Council when locating sites for development."

SEE ALSO: Pictures show extent of Salisbury flooding after River Avon bursts

Drone pictures also highlighted the extent of water covering Salisbury after the River Avon burst its banks on Saturday, January 6.

Credit: Simon Downs (Folly Roofing and Construction) (Image: Simon Downs (Folly Roofing and Construction))

Glen continued: “We had a very constructive conversation about the responsibility of local landowners, enforcement, and the next steps in flood risk assessment. We then toured sites in Britford, and I know Phil will take back the valuable information he has gathered to help inform his thinking.”

Philip Duffy, CEO of the Environment Agency, met with and listened to residents who were flooded in Britford, #Wiltshire during recent storms.

They shared their concerns and were informed about the EA’s work to protect properties and businesses from #flooding. pic.twitter.com/dCQzQoDUNC

— Environment AgencySW (@EnvAgencySW) January 12, 2024

 The Journal did ask to attend the visit and for the opportunity to ask Mr Duffy some questions given the recent flooding and the ongoing River Park project, but it was refused.