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Flooding Again At Millmead – But It’s Nearly Springtime!

Published on: 7 Feb, 2014
Updated on: 7 Feb, 2014

The River Wey has burst its banks again in Guildford town centre with flooding at Millmead, causing the road from the High Street and the car park to be closed.

Water seeps across the towpath opposite Debenhams where daffodils are now in flower.

Water seeps across the towpath opposite Debenhams where daffodils are now in flower.

This was the scene in Guildford on Friday lunchtime (February 7), as water seeped across the towpath – but with plenty of early flowering daffodils giving some cheer as springtime approaches.

Flooded Shalford Meadows on Friday, February 7.

Flooded Shalford Meadows on Friday, February 7.

Elsewhere, the flooded Shalford Meadows offer spectacular views, and once again are attracting people out photographing the scenes.

Flood defences in place by Debenhams in Millbrook.

Flood defences in place by Debenhams in Millbrook.

The Environment Agency’s temporary flood defences are still in place by the river next to Debenhams store in Millbrook. On its website it has placed Surrey within its medium risk band for flooding over the next three days.

Road to Millmead next to the White House pub is closed.

Road to Millmead next to the White House pub is closed.

Lengthsmen on the River Wey are continuing their work of operating sluice gates to manage the flow of water. The manager of the National Trust’s, River Wey Navigations, John Gibson, said: “At the moment all our weirs are fully, or close to, fully open, including the Environment Agency’s that we operate.

“Lengthsmen at the moment can only monitor and clear weirs of debris where it is safe to do so, and respond to incidents as they arise, such as wind-blown trees.

“They are also monitoring the state of some of our more fragile perched embankments.

“It has been a wet week with little respite and more rain forecast. The next 48 hours or so have the potential to create large, out of river bank, floods again – similar but hopefully not as big as at Christmas.”

Extent of the flooding at lunchtime on Friday, February 7, 2014.

Extent of the flooding at lunchtime on Friday, February 7, 2014.

The height of the river beside the Town Bridge.

The height of the river beside the Town Bridge.

No chance of a picnic beside the river near Tumbling Bay and Guildford Boat House!

No chance of a picnic beside the river near Tumbling Bay and Guildford Boat House!

 

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Responses to Flooding Again At Millmead – But It’s Nearly Springtime!

  1. Sean Jenkinson Reply

    February 8, 2014 at 9:25 am

    I have to say, I listened to Eagle Radio most of Friday, but all I heard about was the River Thames warning, I never heard one warning about the River Wey.

  2. jim Allen Reply

    February 8, 2014 at 7:28 pm

    Yet again the Wey valley flood plain has been in action…. adjacent the SARP project area where the council wants to build a road across from Woking Road to Clay Lane, currently under water.

    The flood plain of Bowers Lock and Old Bucks Weir has consistently been close to 85% of its highest ever over a period of 30-plus days over Christmas and new year.

    So remember folks, when Guildford floods, Burpham is more flooded and ‘our’ flood plain is saving Guildford from backing up.

    But as soon as the new road is put in – just watch the water levels rise!

    Then remember the start of 2014.

    It is a warning from the Gods – don’t mess with Mother Nature – leave her flood plains alone!

  3. Martin Elliott Reply

    February 8, 2014 at 10:22 pm

    So apart from Debenhams, what do those EA barriers defend. Are there more protecting other areas, like Sydenham Road Car Park and Court areas? Did they work ?

  4. Rachel Lane Reply

    February 9, 2014 at 8:24 pm

    Please note: the metal barrier which was closed the towpath at Walnut Tree Close because the banks are either unstable or have collapsed has been washed away in the latest flood.
    The river level is dropping fast and and will be likely off the towpath by the morning..so please no one use the towpath, it is not safe to do so. Logged with EA and GBC.

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