Muddy Puddles
Walking through Sweyne Park bridle track yesterday, reminded me of this Peppa Pig story. Muddy puddles were definitely to be found and I wondered how many residents are discouraged by the amount of water that this part of the track seems to hold. I wish they would level this out as it's a great cut through for the pedestrian & cyclists to get to ASDA, St Nicholas primary school & Rayleigh Leisure Centre.
I've asked the ward Councillors to see if we can get this small part of the track maintained. In my humble opinion we need to make walking & cycling in our town more accessible to help reduce the congestion on our roads.
What's the problem?
The Real Risk Of Flooding in Rayleigh
Today I’ve been poking around the Essex County Council website, it’s actually amazing what you find out if you click around for a bit. Some may think it might have been better not to dig around, especially when I came across this page!
Does anyone know where I can buy an Ark?
What can I say it’s actually quite scary how many houses in Rayleigh are at risk of flooding. I’ve drilled down on their GIS system and look at this….
1 in 30 years Risk of Flooding
Rayleigh Flood Map (1 in 30 years)
So it won’t happen to me right? Well these maps are 1 in 30 years. Seems like the frequency of the chance of flooding is not something we should ignore.
Personally, Yes I live in the ‘Flood Zone’ – Do I have faith in the council’s flood forum to know something is being done? – Put simply NO! Working as a hydrologist in my former years I’ve seen the devastating power of mother nature and I’m not about to take any risks. I’m taking reasonable steps to protect our home so I’m off to get some sandbags from Rayleigh Town Council (Yes they offer free sandbags and they are available to all residents).
My fellow Lib Dem Councillor Chris Stanley, has been actively engaged with ECC to have the ditches and drainage systems along the London Road cleared and maintained and I’m very grateful we’ve got such a proactive Councillor on the case. It would seem they have been neglected for some time!
Source – Essex County Council Flood risk and asset register map
The Threat of Flooding
This week, Jaywick in Essex was evacuated. This should be a stark reminder of the real threat of flooding that we face across our district. Just a few years ago, flooding caused devastation for families in Rayleigh when their homes were flooded. Our own home too, came under threat. Although not in the news this week, Rochford District could easily be back in the news in the blink of an eye. The flood risk is severe and mother nature has no mercy to it’s victims.
So what are are Lib Dems doing?
Lib Dem Councillor Chris Stanley has been proactively, trying to ensure that ALL ditches and drains are being maintained regularly by Essex County Council. Chris is a member of Rawreth Parish Council, whose community is constantly threatened with the fear flooding. If you spot a drain or ditch that is blocked please contact cllrchris.stanley@rochford.gov.uk
What other help is available?
If you are living under threat from flooding and live in Rayleigh, the Town Council operate a sandbag scheme. More details can be found in this link.
Continue ReadingRayleigh West Flood Alleviation Scheme Consultation
On the 19th October 2016, Essex County Council are holding a public consultation for residents in ‘Rayleigh West’. They are proposing changes to the bunds on Sweyne Park School’s playing fields and changes to the pond in Sweyne Park. There are hoping that this will help alleviate the risk of flooding downstream. So if you’ve been flooded or think your property is at risk then please go along and see what the proposals are.
Rayleigh West Flood Alleviation Consultation
West Rayleigh Flood Alleviation Scheme
Many residents of Rayleigh will remember the terrible flooding that unfortunate homeowners experienced in 2013 & 2014. Today we have received details from Essex County Council of the proposed flood alleviation scheme.
There may be some relief for those with flood risk in the area to the west of Sweyne Park School, and to properties on Pearsons Avenue, Vernon Avenue, Victoria Avenue and Cheapside West, amongst others. Proposed is a 2 part scheme
- The first part of the scheme will involve making alterations to the existing pond in Sweyne Park and the second element of the scheme will involve making an earth bund on the Sweyne Park School Field. This is all of course subject to planning consent.
We will update residents as we find out more information
Closing the floodgates on high risk housing development
It’s reported in the news today that developers could be forced to flood proof new homes. This news could force developers to make changes to the way houses are built to ensure they are not devastated if they do flood. Full story below
http://news.sky.com/story/1687760/make-builders-flood-proof-new-homes-govt-told