Council gets £1.5m to help prevent flooding across the borough.

The money will go towards understanding and preparing for surface water flooding, which occurs when heavy rainfall overwhelms the drainage capacity of the local area.   

Southwark Council is now a Lead Local Flood Authority and working closely with partners including Lambeth Council. The environment chief at Southwark Council says the challenge of surface water flooding is one that the council is preparing itself for.  

Thanks to the funding from DEFRA, which is for four years, the council says it will be able to plan ahead.  

The publication of Environment Agency maps, that show which areas are more susceptible, will allow both residents and authorities to prepare as best as possible.  

Cllr Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling at Southwark Council, said: 

"First of all it's important to put this kind of flooding in perspective, as the vast majority of homes in the borough will be unaffected. However, we still do need to be as prepared as possible for any emergency, and I'd urge local residents to take advice on what they can do to minimise the risks. This money is good news for the borough as it will enable us to put measures in place to reduce the risks, as well as target the funding carefully where it's needed most. I'd like to reassure residents we're working closely with neighbouring boroughs on this issue."