July 2024
Flooding and Drainage update as at 15th July 2024.
Cllr John Smith and I attended the third monthly online multi-agency meeting on the 12th July with Anglian Water, Environment agency, LCC highways, LCC Flood and water management, Welland & Deepings internal drainage board along with representatives from Scopwick and Heighington parishes. We took the opportunity to remind LCC that the majority of the 25 flood affected properties had yet to receive a visit or communication from the appointed section 19 consultants following their initial visit of early April. This was particularly disappointing considering the amount of information given to them by the Parish council prior to their visit. LCC advised that there was still time for further information to be gathered. We have further copied the report to the consultants directly to LCC along with further copies of earlier email correspondence to LCC Flood management outlining our concerns re the process of registering for section 19 status. We were informed that Network Rail have now given Anglian water permission to commence clearance work on the surface water drains on the village side of the crossing close to the crossing but not under the tracks. In the meantime, Anglian Water had a further meeting planned before the end of July with Network Rail to progress the clearance of the blockages under the tracks at the crossing. Following the intervention of Alicia Kearns MP back in May and the visit of the then Flooding minister the Tallington focussed Multi Agency onsite meeting with the Parish council was scheduled for the 24th July and a full update on that meeting will be posted on the Parish Council website.
The purpose of the meeting being to agree a direct plan of action, a common works program to repair and clear the historic failed drainage network and a clear understanding and acceptance of each agency’s responsibilities going forward. Considering the amount of time taken to get this far and in advance of the section 19 reports conclusions it’s possibly a big ask but we believe a reasonable one. To quote again the Environment Agency Area Flood and Coastal Risk manager “Tallington is a complex mix of fluvial, ground water, surface water and sewer flooding risks, so all partners are likely to have a role to play – EA, LCC Flood and Water, LCC Highways, AWS, Network Rail, Welland and Deepings IDB as well as landowners. It is clear that substantial funding will be needed for what is now extensive repair works and that contributions from a number of agencies will be required”. Alicia Kearns as our newly elected constituency MP for Rutland and Stamford has promised her continued support and involvement. The various sources of potential funding available including grant aid will need to be progressed with her assistance and the EA. In the meantime, the Parish council will continue to push and lobby all those in authority for more urgent action pending the Section 19 outcomes expected late August.
Stay Safe.
Philip.
Tallington Parish Council as at 15th July 2024.