Future flood defences on display

340 homes are at risk if there is a severe flood

A new underground pumping station, raised flood banks and new flood walls form the blueprint for future flood defence at Harnham, near Salisbury.

An exhibition depicting the preferred option for new Environment Agency flood defences has opened to the public.

Floods have affected the area regularly with problems reported in 1960, 1979, 1990, 1995 and 2000.

In 1979 flooding affected 25 properties and in 1990 eight homes were under water with 19 more seriously affected.

Studies by the Environment Agency show 340 properties are currently at risk from a severe flood, with a one-in-100 chance of occurring in any one year.

The preferred option will involve raising existing flood banks at Waldrons Farm, Gypsy Lane and Middle Street Meadow, constructing new flood banks across Middle Street Meadow and the Recreation Ground, building flood walls around the Old Mill Hotel and in Town Path and constructing an underground pumping station in the Recreation Ground.

"We have considered a wide range of factors including the height of the defences, effect on flood levels, opinions of local people and cost before coming to this proposal," said Nick Lyness, of the Environment Agency.