Easterton villagers hit out at flood plan delays (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Easterton villagers hit out at flood plan delays

7:00am Friday 3rd July 2009

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Residents of Easterton are concerned attempts to solve the problem of flooding in the village are being held up by Wiltshire Council.

A number of homes in the High Street and White Street areas of Easterton were flooded in December and a flood working group comprising seven residents was formed in February.

The creation of a balancing pond has been identified by the Environment Agency as a possible solution but the residents claim since the new Wiltshire Council was formed in April nothing has been done to take the project forward.

Chris Saunders, chairman of the group and Easterton Parish Council, said: “We have been getting the right vibes from Wiltshire Council but no hard cash or commitment. Flooding is a problem in other areas across the county and it is incumbent on Wiltshire Council to protect their constituents.

“Back in 2000 when we had similar flooding it was regarded as a one in 100 year event but now it has happened twice in nine years.

“This problem is not going to go away and when it pours down with rain some people don’t get any sleep because they are worried that their homes will flood.”

Among the flooding victims in December were Clair and Mark Dodds and their three-year-old son, Theo. All of the downstairs of their house was flooded causing £100,000 damage and the family are due to move back in this month.

Mrs Dodds said: “Until it happens to you you can’t anticipate how awful it is to have your home flooded.”

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “We are working in partnership with Wiltshire Council to try to come up with a solution to the flooding.”

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “Wiltshire Council is aware of the drainage concerns in Easterton and we are due to investigate and clear the existing drains over the next couple of weeks. We will be using CCTV to check the drainage system and look at the size of the ditches and culverts near the surrounding fields.”

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