Tandridge District Council and the Environment Agency are getting ready to deal with the possible flooding of the Caterham Bourne.

The Caterham Bourne is a groundwater fed river which flows following prolonged rainfall. The Bourne is currently flowing due to high groundwater levels in the area. The last time this happened was in 2000.

There is a flood alert in place for the Caterham Bourne which means flooding is possible.

The Environment Agency monitors groundwater levels and issues alerts when these levels could impact people and properties.   At present, water levels could potentially affect areas along the A22 in Whyteleafe. The Bourne flows through Caterham Valley from Wapses Lodge to the boundary with Croydon at Kenley.

To prepare for any flooding the Council and Environment Agency are:

-Monitoring the levels of The Bourne.

-Clearing culverts and screens.

-Preparing a stock of filled sandbags which will be supplied to residential properties at risk of flooding

-Asking Surrey County Council’s highways team to make sure road gullies are cleared.

-Hand delivering information to all properties which may be affected.

-Putting staff on standby to assist where possible.

If you know of vulnerable neighbours, please help by offering them assistance. §  Updating www.tandridge.gov.uk with the latest information. Local residents and businesses should check current flood warnings by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188 to listen to recorded flood warning information for their area or to speak to an operator for advice 24 hours a day.

In addition the following general advice has been issued:   Be prepared to protect yourself, family, pets and property. Check pumps and any other flood protection equipment you have. Basements, cellars, garages and ground floors may be affected. Keep an eye on local water levels and weather conditions. Tune into weather, news and travel bulletins on local television and radio.

Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water Be aware that flooding can cause manhole covers to come off Wash your hands thoroughly if you touch flood water as it may be contaminated More information is available on the Environment Agency’s website www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood.

Councillor Gordon Keymer, Leader of the Council, said: “We are doing everything we can to prepare for possible flooding and to make local residents and businesses aware. We would ask everyone to be vigilant, keep an eye on what’s happening and take action as required.”

“I am also pleased with how well our staff worked to deal with the aftermath of the bad weather over Christmas which impacted on services, especially recycling and waste. I would like to thank residents for their patience in waiting for collections to catch up again. ”