Guildford flood defence plans on show, 17–22 Jan 2026

If you live, study or work in Guildford, this is your week to help shape how the town protects itself from River Wey flooding. The Environment Agency, alongside Guildford Borough Council and Surrey County Council, is inviting you to view new designs. The project is nearing the end of its initial appraisal, with a business case due soon. For updates and feedback, use the project page, the X account @GuildfordFS, or email guildfordfloodscheme@environment-agency.gov.uk. (gov.uk)

Designs will be on show at two drop‑ins: Saturday 17 January 2026, 12pm–5pm at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre; and Thursday 22 January 2026, 3pm–6pm at Guildford Borough Council offices. There’s also an online Microsoft Teams session on Tuesday 20 January 2026, 7pm–8pm. Register via https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FQHX. (gov.uk)

While plans progress, existing protection remains in place. The Environment Agency carries out regular maintenance on the River Wey and can deploy temporary barriers around Mary Road and William Road when warnings are issued. Sign up for free flood warnings on Floodline 0345 988 1188 or via GOV.UK. (gov.uk)

What this means for you: these are outline designs, not the final build. Your comments help the team refine routes, heights, materials and how public spaces by the river feel and function. If you’ve experienced flooding, your lived detail-where water entered, what time it rose, what blocked drains-can be especially useful.

Bring practical questions. Ask where the water will go during high flows, how access for wheelchairs and buggies will be maintained, and how works will be phased so shops and schools can keep moving. If you rent, ask how responsibilities will be shared between landlords, the council and residents during any future warnings.

Flood defences 101: towns often combine permanent features (embankments, flood walls, raised walkways) with temporary barriers and property‑level resilience like flood doors and raised electrics. Good schemes try to slow, store and safely move water-while improving how people move along the river and through the town centre.

Regeneration is part of the brief here. Well‑designed defences can open up safer riverside paths, better lighting, and new planting. Ask how wildlife is being supported, what trees and habitats will be created or protected, and how the scheme will look in ten or twenty years-not just on day one.

If you can’t attend in person, you still have a voice. Email your comments, include photos or short videos of past flooding, and list the exact streets and times affected. Share specific suggestions rather than only concerns-what you’d keep, what you’d change, and what would make daily life easier during heavy rain.

Media literacy tip: treat artists’ impressions as conversation starters, not promises. Ask to see heights in metres relative to familiar landmarks, look for maintenance plans and cost‑benefit reasoning, and request access arrangements in plain English. If any jargon crops up, ask the team to explain it there and then.

Finally, plan your own readiness. Keep important documents high, know where your electricity shut‑off is, and save Floodline in your phone. Share warning sign‑ups with neighbours and classmates so messages spread quickly. Community preparation works best when we practise it together.