Flood Alleviation FAQ

Q: Merton Meadow and other parts of Widemarsh are regularly hit by flooding. Is it wise to build houses here?

A: Our engineers have been working on this problem for over two years, invoking the most up-to-date regulatory requirements for building in former flood plains and technical advances, and have come up with a solution. This will entail channelling floodwater from the Yazor Brook directly to the River Wye along a piped diversion before it reaches Hereford. Additionally we have also identified the need for further Widemarsh alignment and environmental enhancements within the development area, together with the full exploitation of surface water drainage systems and relief processes of a sustainable nature. Much will also hinge on the design of buildings and the open spaces between them.

For the most frequent flooding, 85 homes and 30 businesses in Hereford will be removed from flood risk.