Looking After the Pang Watercourse – A Shared Responsibility

As autumn sets in and rainfall increases, the Pang watercourse running through our village plays a vital role in managing surface water and preventing localised flooding. Even though it flows primarily during periods of high groundwater, it remains a designated watercourse – and adjacent landowners have legal responsibilities for its upkeep.

🏡 Who is responsible?

If your land borders the Pang watercourse, you are likely a riparian owner. This means you are responsible for maintaining the section adjacent to your property. Responsibilities include:

• Keeping the watercourse clear of obstructions, debris, and excessive vegetation
• Ensuring water can flow freely without causing flooding or erosion
• Not altering the watercourse in ways that affect neighbouring properties or the environment

In most cases:

• If your property borders the watercourse on one side, you are responsible up to the centre line.
• If the watercourse runs between your property and a highway – with the highway on one side and your land on the other – you are responsible for the full width of the watercourse. The highway authority is not considered a riparian owner.

If you’re unsure whether you are a riparian owner, we recommend checking your property deeds or consulting the official guidance from West Berkshire Council.

🏞️ What is the Parish Council responsible for?

The Parish Council maintains the section of the Pang watercourse adjacent to the recreation ground. All other sections are the responsibility of the adjacent landowners.

🍂 Why does this matter now?

With autumn rains and rising water levels, blocked or neglected watercourses can quickly lead to flooding, damage to property, and disruption to roads and footpaths. Proactive maintenance now helps protect the whole community.

✅ What can you do?

• Inspect your section of the watercourse regularly
• Remove fallen leaves, litter, or overgrown plants
• Avoid tipping garden waste or soil near the banks

By working together, we can keep the Pang watercourse flowing freely and reduce the risk of flooding this season.