South Norfolk – Surface Water Drainage Officers appointed

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Karl Manning & Emma Rush
Surface Water Drainage Officers

Appointed as the new Surface Water Drainage Officers, supporting ongoing work on surface water management and community resilience.

They will focus on practical, on‑the‑ground inspection and engagement, including:

  • Proactive land drainage inspections
  • Investigating drainage issues reported to the Council
  • Advising residents and riparian owners on watercourse maintenance
  • Supporting the Flood and Water Management Officer with investigations
  • Providing a visible, rapid presence within communities

Key Areas of Work

1. Actions

  • Working with parish and town councils to gather local insight
  • Walking watercourses to identify issues affecting flow
  • Recording findings and undertaking monitoring
  • Carrying out initial and follow‑up investigations to support enforcement

2. Community Engagement

  • Acting as a point of contact for residents, parish/town councils and members
  • Working with partners to resolve drainage concerns
  • Promoting good land drainage maintenance

3. Problem Solving

  • Listening to concerns and identifying likely causes
  • Working with partners and landowners to find solutions
  • Using strong interpersonal skills to support positive outcomes

They will be a visible presence across South Norfolk and key points of contact for early engagement on drainage matters. Their work also supports the Norfolk Strategic Flood Alliance’s education and awareness initiatives to improve community resilience.

If you have drainage concerns or wish to share local insight, contact: surfacewaterdrainage@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk

Damp Wreningham – 18 Feb ’24

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The last couple of days have been a mite damp – so I thought I’d take the phone and record a few puddles for posterity.

General dampness – a few choice puddles and full ditches

Followed by a close look at The Farthings. This had surface water, two new shallow ponds, an overflowing existing pond, plus full ditches.

Norfolk Strategic Flood Alliance

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In response to the recent serious flooding in the county, the Norfolk Strategic Flood Alliance (NSFA) has been formed to:

  • monitor remedial and preventive works
  • prepare a strategy to meet similar and anticipated events due to climate change

Norfolk ALC is on the NSFA steering committee to provide the Parish Voice and influence Alliance decisions e.g.:

  1. An information leaflet is being prepared for distribution (via the Mardle in Wreningham) but see here.
  2. A hotline (number to be announced) will be set up to act as a single point of contact to the services involved
  3. The public are asked for their suggestions: wellbeing@NorfolkALC.gov.uk
  4. To seek the support of the press and media to keep the public informed of progress.
  5. A Zoom webinar is being arranged for 24th March at 7 p.m. with presenters from Anglian Water, Water Resources East and the Fire Service, with a Q&A session at the end.

See our earlier post here