A NEW campaign has been launched to raise awareness of flooding in Weston.

The aim of the campaign, which has been organised by the Environmental Agency, is to inform local people of the steps they can take to protect themselves and their property.

Throughout January and February, the agency is partnering up with North Somerset Council to deliver a series of informational drop-in events, as well as give out leaflets and put up posters to remind people of their flood risk.

The campaign will focus on the following wards within Weston-super-Mare: Central, Hillside, South Ward, Winterstoke, Uphill, Milton, Mid Worle, North Worle and South Worle. Kewstoke (including Sand Bay) is also included.

Even though many of these areas won't have experienced significant flooding for years due to flood defences, the Environmental Agency estimates that over 27,000 properties in and around Weston remain susceptible to flooding from rivers and the sea.

Weston Mercury: A series of events will be hosted throughout January and February.A series of events will be hosted throughout January and February. (Image: Environmental Agency)

Ron Curtis, Environment Agency Area Flood and Coastal Risk manager for Wessex, said: “Fortunately, most of our communities in Weston-super-Mare have not experienced significant flooding in recent years. Nonetheless, Weston has flooded before and is still at risk.

“The aim of our campaign is to raise awareness and increase preparedness for potential flooding across the region. It is important that communities like Weston, with a limited history of flooding but a very real flood risk, are supported to recognise that risk and prepare for its potential impacts."

Councillor Annemieke Waite, North Somerset Council’s executive member for climate, waste and sustainability, added: “The serious impact of global warming is already evident.

"As a council, we recognise that urgent action is needed to avoid temperatures increasing to dangerous levels, which would bring extreme weather, rising sea levels and increased flooding.

“As well as working hard to tackle the climate emergency, we’re committed to building a flood resilient North Somerset."

The schedule of events is as follows:

  • Friday, January 19, 10am-1pm – For All Healthy Living Centre, BS23 3SJ;
  • Thursday, January 25, 12.30pm-3.30pm – Town Hall Library, BS23 1UJ;
  • Saturday, January 27, 9am-12pm –Weston seafront (between Victorian Café and Beach Café), BS23 1BE;
  • Monday, January 29, 2pm-6.30pm – Uphill Victory Hall, BS23 4XG;
  • Thursday, February 1, 7pm-8.30pm – Weston Museum, BS23 1PR;
  • Friday, February 2, 1pm-4pm – Co-op, Worle High Street, BS22 6HG;
  • Monday, February 5, 4.15pm-7pm – Kewstoke Village Hall, BS22 9XB;
  • Tuesday, February 6, 11.30am-2.30pm – The Sovereign, BS23 1HL.