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Flood Resilience

by Haddenham Webteam – 4th September 2025
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stream through garden

Do you have the route of a stream or water course running through your garden here in Haddenham? Then you are likely to have a legal resposibility for maintaining its patency – a so-called "Riparian Responsibility". Please read the following from the parish council.

Riparian Responsibilities and Flood Resilience in Haddenham

We are inviting all residents whose properties adjoin or contain watercourse in Haddenham to an open evening at the Village Hall Conference Room on Thursday 11th September, 18:00-20:00.

Landowners whose property borders a stream, ditch or culvert are known as riparian owners. Under English common law, riparian owners have a legal duty to maintain the watercourse in a way that allows the unobstructed flow of water. This is essential to reducing the flood risk to your property and to others downstream, especially in times of heavy rainfall.

To address recent flooding within the village, the Parish Council are working in collaboration Bucks Council's Flood Management Officers to establish a local Riparian Owners Group. This informal group will provide a platform for:

  • Sharing best practice and guidance for effective watercourse maintenance
  • Identifying areas of concern and working collectively to resolve them
  • Facilitating communication between residents, the Council and Flood Risk Officers
  • Supporting residents in understanding and fulfilling riparian responsibilities

We warmly invite all landowners to take part in this initiative, whether you are already maintaining your section of watercourse, or if you are unsure of your obligations. Your involvement in our Flood Group is welcomed and appreciated. For more information, please contact the Parish Office:

01844 292411
clerk@haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk
Sue Gilbert (Clerk)

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