It is a legal duty many may not be aware of... but failing to do your bit could land you with a hefty bill.

Homeowners in Norfolk have been warned they could face fines of up to £1,000 if they fail to keep waterways clear, to help protect homes from flooding.

If watercourses such as ditches and streams become blocked it can leave people at risk from floods caused by torrential rain.

Overflowing ditches in Suton earlier this year, which had caused problems for nearby homeowners due to being blockedOverflowing ditches in Suton earlier this year, which caused problems for nearby homeowners  (Image: Owen Sennitt)

However, many people are unaware it is the homeowner's responsibility to keep these clear if they run along a property's boundary.

This is thanks to the laws around 'riparian responsibilities' - people who live on, own or lease land next to a watercourse must maintain a free flow of water for those downstream.

Failing to do so could result in a fixed penalty notice and a fine of £1,000.

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A ditch in Suton, which is known to regularly overflow after periods of heavy rainA ditch in Suton known to regularly overflow after periods of heavy rain (Image: Owen Sennitt)

At an event held to mark Flood Action Week, a national campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of flooding, representatives from the Norfolk Strategic Flood Alliance (NSFA) urged people to help protect Norfolk's homes.

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Henry Cator, chairman of the Norfolk Strategic Flood AllianceHenry Cator, chairman of the Norfolk Strategic Flood Alliance (Image: Newsquest)

Henry Cator, chairman of the NSFA, said: "Floods can be devastating and can often lead to mental health problems. We all have a responsibility to the community of Norfolk to help."

Nathan Harris, flood water management officer and Katie Spillman, surface water drainage engineer for South Norfolk and Broadland Council, are at the frontline of Norfolk's flood defence.

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Nathan Harris, floodwater management officer and Katie Spillman, surface water drainage engineer for South Norfolk and Broadland CouncilNathan Harris, floodwater management officer and Katie Spillman, surface water drainage engineer for South Norfolk and Broadland Council (Image: Owen Sennitt)

It is their responsibility to ensure ditches and watercourses are kept clear and they visit homeowners to make them aware of their responsibilities. 

They have called on people to be vigilant and report any blockages. 

Mr Harris said: "Lots of problems go unreported. People sit on it until it becomes a major issue." 

Workers have recently removed 100 tonnes of debris from watercourses in Attleborough and BesthorpeWorkers have recently removed 100 tonnes of debris from watercourses in Attleborough and Besthorpe (Image: Norfolk County Council)

It comes as the NSFA is preparing for a busy winter, with flooding expected to be even worse this year due to persistent high water levels across the county. 

'BE PREPARED'

  • Norfolk County Council has issued the following advice for people affected by flooding:
  • Flooding can happen anytime, anywhere
  • You can report flooding via www.norfolk.gov.uk/flooding or our One Number on 0344 800 8013
  • You can prepare for flooding in advance by making your home more resilient: visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/flooding for information and tips on how to prepare
  • Sign up for flood warnings at www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
  • If life is in danger, call 999