Councillor Ian Dore has submitted a ‘Flood Money’ amendment to the proposed Alliance budget, which will be considered tonight (Wednesday), to ensure Binstead homes and businesses will be protected from future catastrophic floods.
In July 2021, local properties were wrecked by devastating flooding in Binstead, as reported by Island Echo. But it wasn’t the first time the area had been hit by damaging floods, with Island Echo reporting on the issue since 2012.
2 previous Administrations have failed to carry out the work required in 2 commissioned flooding reports. The 3rd report – currently in draft form – is also believed to recommend flood defences are required.
In support of funding to prevent further flooding, Binstead resident Abi Williams said:
“Our house and garden like many others, was totally trashed with human excrement floating around and possessions destroyed. If the commitment to sort out the drainage and install the attenuation tanks had been honoured when promised, it could all have been avoided.
“We live in constant fear of when it will happen again. To not act is nothing short of negligent and those that ignore this should be held to account.”
Fleming Arms landlady Lucy Edwards agrees:
“Our business was totally destroyed due to the flooding in July and further damaged later in August. We had to close for a month, suffering a loss of £27,000. In this budget, the Administration could have shown a specific commitment of support to us, plus others in Binstead. They have chosen not to. What is more important than protecting people’s homes?”
On behalf of affected residents, Cllr Ian Dore has said:
“The residents that have spoken to me since the budget was released are furious. The disappointment that washes over Binstead is almost on the level of the flooding last July. Previously committed Capital Expenses were withdrawn, despite the issues not being rectified.
“The net result is that in July of last year, 20 plus houses internally flooded, amenity businesses were wrecked, and 6 households had to be temporarily rehoused. Some have yet to return. Fists are being waved and rightly so.
“The statement used in the Budget, is not relevant for Binstead. The Environment Agency are not responsible for drainage and surface water flooding. That falls firmly feet of the Council. Wearing wellies, if they are visiting our fair Ward. You could be forgiven for thinking that the £60 million commitment is the answer. It isn’t.
“Nor is the 75k for footpath repairs. It’s not applicable to Binstead and will not cover any of the recommended repair works, such as the installation of underground storage tanks and rain garden installation. Capital Funding previously came from the Council to mitigate these issues and that is where it must come from again, this time with a specific commitment to prioritised works. There are a couple of solutions to this. One was to submit an Amendment to the Budget.
“In January, I presented to the leader, deputy, and a number of cabinet members a very strong evidenced backed case for specific funding. We’ve had no less than TWO Section 19 reports, both recommending priority works. The third S19 report is back in draft form and shock horror, it recommends the same! It is unacceptable to allow these risks to remain unresolved. The responsible approach is to commit funds to specific prioritised work.
“On the 23rd at Full Council, I will be making my evidence-based case and fighting for justice.”
To many driveways and back yards concereated over. To many houses and to much tarmac all in a relatively small area.
Better when they were quarries.
Drainage should be sorted out. Like when Ryde stinks of sewage, sort it out.
Expect the recent planning application for houses close to the flooding won’t help the situation.