Views sought on town centre flood defence plans

The Millmead area of Guildford was hit by flooding from the River Wey in March 2024

Plans for flood defences that could make previously unusable land in Guildford available for new homes are being showcased this weekend.

The Environment Agency said it is looking to expand safety measures in Guildford to help properties affected by the town's long history of flooding.

The new flood measures will improve the riverside and reduce congestion in the town, according to Guildford Borough Council.

The council will host an information afternoon on Saturday where people can have there say, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Former councillor John Rigg has described the project as the "biggest opportunity" to transform housing in the county for a century as it would take huge swathes of land out of flood zones.

In a statement, an EA spokesperson said: "The flood defences will be visually integrated into existing and regenerated areas of the river corridor, reducing flood-risk to the town centre."

The agency added that it would "also enhance the riverside environment, and build better connections between Guildford town centre and the River Wey".

An information afternoon will be held at the Electric Theatre on Saturday from 12:00 to 17:00 GMT, and an online presentation will also be held on Wednesday from 19:30 to 20:30.

The EA is encouraging all those interested to have their say.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.