One of the key difficulties with flooding response and preparedness that I hear from my constituents in Runnymede in Weybridge is the complexity of who to contact in the event of an issue. Several bodies have responsibilities for flooding including Runnymede and Elmbridge Borough Councils, Surrey County Council, the Local Resilience Forum, and the Environment Agency. Below is a guide of who to contact currently, but as part of my work on flooding I am keen to push for a more joined-up response that will see one Flood Contact Centre number for residents to call.
Who is responsible:
River Flooding
If flooding is to your property and you are in an emergency situation, please dial 999 for Fire and Rescue.
To report concerns about main river flooding (the River Thames, the Chertsey and Addlestone Bourne, the River Wey, the Meadlake Ditch, the Moat, the Hurst Ditch and the Rive Ditch), call the Environment Agency:
- General enquiry line: 08708 506506
- Emergency hotline: 0800 807060
- Floodline: 0345 988 1188
- E-mail: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
To sign up for the Environment Agency’s flood warning alerts in your area, please visit here: https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
For non-main river flooding, contact Surrey County Council on: 03456 009 009
For canals, contact Basingstoke Canal Authority on: 01252 370073
Surface and Groundwater Flooding
Surrey County Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority for the whole of Surrey.
For an emergency that threatens public safety, you can call the 24 hour hotline on: 0300 200 1003
To report any other issue to Surrey County Council, visit their website portal: https://www9.surreycc.gov.uk/HighwayIssue/WhatIsTheIssue.aspx
Highways
If a highway is flooding or flooding is being caused by water from highways, it is the responsibility of Surrey County Council. Drains and gullies on public highways are also maintained by Surrey County Council.
For an emergency that threatens public safety, you can call the 24 hour hotline on: 0300 200 1003
To report any other issue to Surrey County Council, visit their website portal: https://www9.surreycc.gov.uk/HighwayIssue/WhatIsTheIssue.aspx
Sewage Flooding
For sewage and waste water flooding, Thames Water are responsible for the vast majority of the Runnymede and Weybridge constituency. Thames Water can be contacted on: 0800 316 9800
Flooding from Manholes in the road should also be reported to Surrey County Council Highways to ensure road safety is maintained on: 03456 009 009
How can you get involved?
The National Flood Forum is a charity to help, support and represent people at risk of flooding, It provides recovery and support services to those who have experienced flooding, information and advice, professional training, and supports community action for those who face regular flooding risk and those who are looking to set up Flood Action Groups. Please visit their website at: National Flood Forum – A charity to help, support and represent people at risk of flooding.
Can I help?
To contact me to take up an issue on flooding on your behalf or receive help in finding the correct statutory body, or if you are not getting the help you need during a flooding event, please email ben.spencer.mp@parliament.uk or contact 0207 219 6783.
