STOCKBRIDGE Parish Council is taking steps to alleviate the flood threat in the village - by installing weir bypass systems in the river.

And they are hoping organisations, householders and businesses will contribute towards the cost of the system which could save the village thousands of pounds in damage during wet winters.

Stockbridge was at serious risk of flooding two years ago when weed blocked two weirs in the River Test which would normally release excess flood water.

Concrete spillways are now planned to allow free flow of water up to the levels experienced in the winter of 2000. Parish council chairman David Baseley said: "Two years ago, Stockbridge High Street and other parts on the flood plain were seriously threatened with flooding. Another inch and the river would have overflowed. It is essential we prevent that risk occurring again."

Plans are also afoot to repair a High Street wall which is leaning at a dangerous angle of approximately 30 degrees.

If the wall collapsed it could put the Roman Catholic Church and Rosalind Hill House at risk of possible flooding and the need for evacuation.

Councillors will also attempt to draw up plans of surface water drainage in Stockbridge during a High Street clean-up of leaves and drains.

No plans currently exist for the village.

Cllr Roger Tym said: "If one drain was blocked and we had two inches of rain, parts of the High Street would flood, but at the moment we don't know which parts.

"We have all volunteered to play a modern game of poo sticks by putting some dye down the drains and seeing where it flows.

"At least that means we will have some simple plans in future."