The Environment Agency and its project partners are inviting local people to share their views and feedback on plans to reduce flood-risk in Guildford town centre
The Environment Agency is urging Guildford residents to participate in shaping plans for a new flood-defence scheme aimed at reducing the town centre’s vulnerability to flooding. Guildford, which has a long history of flooding from the River Wey, is the focus of a multi-agency effort to create a sustainable strategy to manage future risks while enhancing the riverside environment.
As part of the engagement process, a public drop-in session is scheduled for Saturday, 22 February, from 12 pm to 5 pm at the Electric Theatre in Guildford. For those unable to attend in person, an online presentation will be hosted on Wednesday, 26 February, from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm via Teams. Registration for the virtual session is available through the Environment Agency’s consultation webpage.
Tackling Guildford’s Flood History
Flooding from the River Wey has caused significant damage to Guildford over the years. To address this, the Environment Agency has partnered with Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council to develop a long-term flood-alleviation strategy. The project is currently in its appraisal phase, which will involve detailed assessments, surveys, and public consultations to refine the preferred flood-defence option. This phase is expected to continue until 2026.
The scheme’s goal is to not only reduce flood-risk to Guildford town centre but also integrate the defences into the existing riverside landscape. Plans include creating space for water through lowered areas and enhancing the habitat along the riverbank. The initiative also aims to improve connections between the River Wey and the town centre, making the riverside more accessible and enjoyable for residents.
Public Feedback Crucial
Jon Mansbridge, project director for the Guildford flood alleviation scheme, emphasised the importance of public engagement in the process:
“We encourage local communities and interested groups to have their say, as their feedback is invaluable in shaping our long-term strategy to manage flood risk to Guildford. The drop-in event and online presentation offer opportunities to engage with our team, find out about our progress, and provide feedback to help shape the scheme.”
Since early proposals were shared with the public in April 2024, the scheme’s alignment has been further refined in consultation with landowners. Specific areas have been identified for lowering to create additional water storage capacity, while new habitats will also be established to support local wildlife.
Ongoing Efforts to Protect Guildford
The Environment Agency continues to maintain the River Wey as part of its flood-risk management efforts. Regular vegetation cutting and blockage removal help reduce the chances of flooding. Temporary flood-protection measures are also in place for high-risk areas, such as Mary Road and William Road, where barriers can be deployed if warnings are issued.
The proposed flood defences aim to minimise the impact on Guildford’s infrastructure while providing robust protection for homes and businesses. The scheme aligns with the Environment Agency’s broader national efforts to reduce flood-risk for at least 300,000 homes by 2021.
How Residents Can Get Involved
Guildford residents are encouraged to attend the drop-in session or join the online presentation to learn more about the project and share their views. The latest updates are available on the project’s consultation webpage. Feedback and questions can also be emailed to guildfordfloodscheme@environment-agency.gov.uk, and residents can subscribe to the newsletter for ongoing updates.
For those concerned about immediate flood risks, the Environment Agency advises signing up for flood warnings through Floodline or the UK government’s flood information website.
With public input at the heart of the process, the Guildford flood alleviation scheme promises not only to safeguard the town from future flooding but also to enhance its riverside for the benefit of the entire community.
