Wiltshire Council is stepping up its winter weather preparations.
The local authority has announced a new long-term approach to resilience and community support, including major investment in highway drainage, emergency response equipment, and operational infrastructure.
Cllr Ian Thorn, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: "We are making significant investments in community resilience, local highways and emergency preparedness.
"This includes substantial investment in our drainage network, helping us to reduce flood risk and improve resilience to increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
"Our strategic, long-term approach will enhance the council's ability to keep roads operational, respond to severe weather incidents and support communities when disruption occurs."
Funding for drainage renewals has been increased from £600,000 to £1.5 million, a 150 per cent rise.
The additional funding will help renew and repair drainage assets such as gullies, pipework, and culverts across the county.
The council says this proactive approach will build long-term resilience, reduce flooding incidents, and better protect communities from severe weather.
As part of the new strategy, the Parish Emergency Assistance Scheme (PEAS), which provides emergency equipment to town and parish councils, will end in March 2027.
Town and parish councils will need to make their own arrangements for funding and equipment after this date.
Cllr Thorn said: "Despite the conclusion of PEAS, we will continue to provide support to local councils, as we all need to work together to ensure our communities are well protected during increasingly unpredictable winter weather.
"We are delivering a broader and more sustainable package of investment that strengthens our communities for the long term and improves our ability to respond when residents need us most."
The council will continue to offer advice on community resilience planning, procurement, equipment sourcing, and developing local emergency plans.
Other measures under the new approach include support from Local Highways and Footway Improvement Groups (LHFIGs), area boards, the Crisis and Resilience Fund, the Digital Wiltshire programme, and the rollout of Emergency Contact Hubs.
Investment is also being made in operational resilience, with plans for a new highway salt depot at Hindon and an additional £1m investment in resilience equipment, including a tractor, snow ploughs, flail equipment and other specialist assets to strengthen winter maintenance and highway operations.
These steps aim to improve emergency communication, strengthen community preparedness, and ensure better access to support during severe weather.
The council views the changes as a significant enhancement of its ability to support communities before, during and after severe weather and emergency events.
Share