GLOUCESTERSHIRE County Council has issued advice about how residents in the county reduce the risk of flooding this winter.

As the last of the autumn leaves fall and winter approaches, the council is urging all residents who live near rivers to maintain their watercourses, as it is your legal responsibility to maintain it.

As trees and vegetation tend to thin during the autumn months, it is the ideal time of year to make sure your section of the watercourse is clear from any debris or vegetation growth.

Growth of woody vegetation, such as brambles, as well as branches falling off trees and bushes can cause blockages in watercourses and increase the risk of flooding.

It is important to take appropriate precautions when working in and around watercourses and keep yourself safe. More information on this can be found on the council’s website.

Councillor Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways and flood, said: “With winter on the way we’re asking riparian owners to act now and check that their watercourses are flowing freely.

“This will reduce the risk of their home, and their neighbour’s homes, being flooded this winter.”

On Friday December 8, Gloucestershire County Council will be holding a live Twitter Q&A session on flood prevention.

Experts from their flood risk management team will be attending alongside Cllr Vernon Smith to answer any questions the public have about protecting their homes from the risk of flooding.

For more information on watercourse maintenance or to report a poorly maintained watercourse, contact the flood risk Management team on floodriskmanagement@gloucestershire.gov.uk or 01452 427472.

To learn more about flood risk management and the various measures you can take to protect your properties from flood water, visit floodadvisoryservice.co.uk