Please note :

On each site, the sandbags are on pallets & sheeted over. Please take only what you need - think of others and help your neighbours where possible. Please tie down sheets again and also send an e mail to the Parish Council if stocks are low with date and number taken to assist us in monitoring stock levels.

In the unlikely event of all bags being taken, Dorset Council's Partnership may be able to deliver more.

Contact on Tel 01305 252479.       Dorsetforyou link :

https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/emergencies-severe-weather/flooding/sandbags-and-local-flooding-advice.aspx

Flood Signs :

In January 2016, Dorset Council provided flood road signs for Winterbourne Steepleton for volunteers to place when required. We are not allowed to place signs in Winterbourne Abbas because the A35 is a major highway.

The locations have been agreed with the DCC Highways Department as follows :

Steepleton - (east approach) - sign stored behind bushes on grass area of Manor Care Home (adj to Old Manor Cottage). Sign to be erected on this grass area about 5 metres form entrance to care Home.

Steepleton - (west approach) - sign stored by Arthur Westlake (Pound Cottage). Sign to be erected on grass area bordering road at the side of his garage wall.

The South Winterbourne Community Flood Action Group (SWCFAG) was formed in 2013. 

NB : Martinstown Parish Council now manages all flood related issues etc within their parish

Please use the link to the SWCFAG website for full details :  

https://sites.google.com/site/swcfag/

For the current EA flood warnings please use this link

https://environment-agency.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=995e19facf867522c99386500&id=eb29af65b2&e=773c30a88a

You can sign up here to receive flood warnings :

https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings

The group was formed in 2013 and via the Parish Council started the annual clearing of the South Winterbourne stream through Steepleton village. We have not suffered any significant flooding of properties in the villages since July 2012 and it is hoped that this will continue to be case in the future. There are detailed drawings of the surface water drainage in both villages on the SWCFAG website.

Some important points :

a) The South Winterbourne stream has a staggering catchment area and is the only way that surface water can run from the valley to the River Frome east of Dorchester.

b) Much of the stream / watercourse runs within quite restrictive manmade banks & walls. There are also many small bridges to private properties etc that for the most part are far too low and narrow. Recently built bridges have been far greater flow capacities and better clearances above water levels.

c) Unfortunately, the water flowing down from the source west of Abbas has high levels of nitrates. Wessex Water had to cease extracting water from their borehole in the valley for this reason. Steps are being taken by EA and the farming community to deal with this problem but it is likely to take some years to remedy.

c) Due to these nitrate levels, there is accelerated growth of the vegetation within the stream. This can naturally severely restrict water flow and tends to gather more debris. With heavy rainfall, these restrictions cause overflowing of the banks and flooding

d) There are a number of former water meadows and farming land that the stream runs through in the valley and these assist in times of serious water flows by allowing some flooding and greater water capacity.

We have proved that simple and careful removal of the majority of this vegetation on an annual basis allows the stream to cope with the flows generated. This in turn has prevented serious flooding since 2012.

However, climate change and changing weather patterns will present more challenges in the future and this clearing will become ever more important. Mother Nature will always have the upper hand !

October 2023 : The South Winterbourne through the village of Steepleton has been cleared as usual ready for the winter period. 

The Parish Council has been chasing an undertaking given last year from National Highways (formerly Highways England) (A35 operators)  to clear the watercourse through Winterbourne Abbas. 

All their highway drainage runs into it. They have given undertakings in previous years but have never carried this out ! The parish council will continue to chase them on this matter. In past years, local volunteers have cleared the watercource manually. A recent communication (October 2023) from them indicates that this will be carried soon - watch this space !  

Here's a link to a guide for preparing for and protecting property from flooding from Gocompare 

https://www.gocompare.com/home-insurance/limiting-flood-risk-and-damage/

There is more advice and guidance on the SWCFAG website (see link above)