Water, water everywhere…
December 7th, 2006With tornados in North London and thunderstorms in Southern England and Wales, we are all becoming experts on climate change. The evidence may be anecdotal, but since when did this sort of weather happen in December? The rain is harder, too. This causes real “run off” problems. I was in Grange Park, West Swindon, on Saturday, hearing alarming and distressing stories about flooding the week before. Too many existing drains are either too small or poorly maintained. Flooding in certain parts of Swindon is becoming a regular occurrence. We owe a duty to existing homeowners and businesses to ensure that we have an adequate drainage system.
At the same time, we must remember the potentially disastrous consequences of over-development. Last night, I attended a Community meeting about the imminent residential development in the Front Garden area of Swindon, now to be known as Wichelstowe. 4000 new homes will be built over the next few years in an area that forms a rough triangle, bounded by Great Western Way, the M4, Rushey Platt and the Croft Road area.
We were looking at maps indicating likely areas of regular flooding, taking into account the new housing and increased water “run-off”. I sincerely hope that the Environment Agency have got their estimates of likely flood levels right for the Front Garden, and that the drainage provision will be adequate. Very many residents, some of whom are extremely knowledgeable about that area of land, remain very concerned. So do I.
March 1st, 2007 at 2:32 pm
I live in grange park and the drainage is more than a joke as is the councils response when asked to sort the problem. My garden is under 6 inches of water when it rains , due to the coucil land at the back of my garden flooding and not draining away. Their response was its not council policy to do anything about this just wait for the drier weather . Absolute rubbish as usual higher council tax and less service to show for it , well thats value for money.
March 3rd, 2007 at 7:08 pm
I’m very concerned about the response you received, Gary. Please let me know your address and I will be happy to take the matter up with the Council for you. Please drop me a line on robbuckl@globalnet.co.uk and I will do my best to help.