INVESTIGATIONS will be carried out in a Test Valley village prone to flooding to manage the risk coming from rising groundwater levels and heavy rain. 

Andover's MP Kit Malthouse recently met with members of three councils and the Environment Agency in Vernham Dean to see what improvements can be made to prevent flooding. 

Officers from Hampshire County Council, Test Valley Borough Council and Vernham Dean Parish Council were present at the meeting. 

It has been agreed that drain clearance work and CCTV investigations will take place in the village. CCTV will provide early warnings and monitor flood defence features such as storm drains and pumping stations.

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Andover Advertiser: Kit Malthouse during a visit to Vernham Dean earlier this year and flooding in the village in 2014Speaking after the meeting, Mr Malthouse said: "I have been in close contact with local authorities, agencies and partners over the rising groundwater levels throughout the Bourne Valley, which has been caused by the recent heavy and prolonged rain. 

“Most recently we got together for a constructive meeting in Vernham Dean, in which we discussed the main flood risk issues along with the practical interventions that need to be implemented quickly.

"It was agreed that CCTV investigations and drain clearance work will take place as soon as this summer, while the Environment Agency are undertaking a study on how local people can better protect their homes and land from flooding. 

"I remain in contact with partners to make sure this work progresses at pace, so we can see Vernham Dean residents safely through any future downpours.”

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The meeting took place at the village hall and included a tour of the village to look at the issues on the ground. 

In February, Mr Malthouse spoke to residents in the village about flooding, pumps, water tables and hydrology.

He said on Instagram: "Everyone who lives in the Bourne Valley thinks about water a lot at this time of year, and what improvements we can make to avoid the same flooding we saw in 2014. We came close last month, but happily avoided disaster with a lot of pumping."