Work to install flood protection measures for homes in Binstead is set to begin tomorrow (Wednesday), with one resident describing the confirmed start date as ‘a huge relief’ after years of repeated devastation.
The work forms part of the £300,000 Binstead Property Flood Resilience scheme, designed to better protect around 30 homes impacted by flooding across the area – particularly in Cemetery Road and surrounding streets.
Measures being installed aim to reduce the risk of water entering properties and lessen the impact of future flood events.
Abi Williams, whose property has been affected by floods multiple times, with Island Echo first reporting from her destroyed garden back in 2012, says the update has brought real peace of mind.
Abi says:
“When you’ve been affected by flooding, it changes how you live. You check the weather more than you should, you worry about the next downpour and you keep thinking, ‘Will it happen again?’.
“We had been hit hard – not only once, but five times. To have the prospect of protection meant a lot to us.
“We attended the community meeting and, through communications with the EA and the provider, we felt more confident as it moved forward.
Article continues below this advertisement “Being told there’s a start date and that the kit is ready makes it feel real. It’s a huge relief and we are incredibly grateful it’s finally happening.
The Cemetery Road resident adds:
“I also have to credit our local councillor Ian Dore for driving the scheme forward and keeping focus on delivery. He’s out in the ward constantly and was at my house when the flooding struck.
“His presence is appreciated and he listens and follows up. The fact this programme exists at all is down to his hard graft and persistence with the EA and the planning office.”
Another resident, William Nicholson, says the scheme offers reassurance following recent heavy rainfall.
William says:
“As recently as 1st February, at just after 7pm, we had a colossal amount of rain and, as it was rising, there was a clear risk it could enter the house again.
“We have sandbags, but the PFR installation is the thing that will offer us maximum protection.
“Two weeks later there was another heavy downpour and, although we weren’t affected, Cllr Dore was out there (soaked again), ensuring emergency support could be requested if necessary.
“The planning office and lady from the Environment Agency also need thanking, as they have all worked together to provide something that will protect us and our family.
“We are truly grateful.”
Independent councillor for Binstead and Fishbourne, Ian Dore, who is standing for election again on Thursday (7th May), says the scheme is now reaching the delivery stage residents have been waiting for.
Cllr Dore says:
“On the week the levy funding for this project was approved, Binstead was hit hard again, with one resident accusing me of it ‘all being words’. It wasn’t, of course, but when your house has been flooded, I totally understand the emotion and can empathise. You take it on the chin and keep ploughing on with delivery.
“That, of course, takes time as it’s very complex, especially as there is no mandate or funding.
“This specific scheme was built from scratch, with the integration of an officer from the EA into IWC planning. It wasn’t something to tap into – it was a grassroots project through partnership working and boots on the ground.
“Installations start on 6th of May and this element sits alongside wider work in the ward to improve flood mitigation.
“Not just words, not a wishlist – physical installations to protect 30 families. Result.”
Lots of rhetoric but what are they going to do?