Hillside ponds could stop valley from flooding

The Ash Ranges, seen here behind the lake, cause rain run-off into the village of Ash Vale below

Plans are being developed to help protect Surrey villages from flooding in the wake of severe rainfall.

Ash and Ash Vale are at risk of flooding due to rain run-off from the nearby Ash Ranges, according to councillor Richard Lucas, from Guildford Borough Council.

The borough council, Surrey County Council and Ash Parish Council are planning to install ponds on the ranges which they say would slow the flow of the run-off.

A public information meeting is being held at the Ash Centre on Thursday where people can learn more about the proposals.

Mr Lucas explained that Ash and Ash Vale sit in the Blackwater Valley, a "flat-bottomed" valley at the bottom of three hillsides.

The area had severe flooding in 2013 and again last year, the latter leading to youngsters kayaking in the street, Mr Lucas said.

"If you get significant rain you get a surge in flow rate, so this project is about working out how best to build the ponds and slow that," he said.

The project is also set to include dams made of natural materials which temporarily store water during heavy rain.

Work on the flood defences is set to begin next year.