Residents on Riverside Drive install flood defenses after a £30m project fails. They still live with the trauma from past flooding.
Many homes flooded in Prestolee during those years. The 2015 Boxing Day floods damaged 39 homes, then 22 more houses flooded five years later. A planned £30m flood defense project fell through last year due to funding issues that stopped the project.
Residents raised over £5,000 for defenses, installing them over the last three weeks. Councillor Tracey Wilkinson praised their spirit, but also said things shouldn’t be like this.
Kids on the street still have nightmares as flooding has a lasting impact on them. Wilkinson wants the Environment Agency to see their work. Residents are determined to protect their homes.
In 2020, they raised money for sandbags already and used those bags along the river bank. They believe the sandbags saved them from flooding thrice, but now the sandbags have corroded and need replacing.
This past New Year’s Eve was a close call, with flood water reaching gardens from drains. Residents stay up during heavy rains, watching river levels closely for everyone.
Wilkinson is still pushing for a real solution and brought this up at a council meeting last month. Council Leader Nick Peel said they asked for new options, including quick fixes and project alternatives.
The Environment Agency understands the impact of floods and examined ways to lower flood risk. They cannot proceed due to cost and engineering problems, but will work with local partners to manage flood risk.
The Department for Environment stated government protects citizens. They inherited defenses in poor condition and are investing £2.65 billion to build and maintain defenses, which will protect homes and businesses.