Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Burton Mail. This column was originally featured in the 30th June print edition.
Whilst we have been enjoying some warmer and drier weather of late, it is hard to think about downpours and flooding which we would typically associate with the winter months. However, it is important that those who are responsible for keeping communities safe from extreme weather events, work all year round to find and implement mitigations against such situations.
I recently met with the West Midlands Environment Agency (EA) on several matters related to Burton and the surrounding villages. As part of this, I received an update on the work being undertaken by the EA to combat flooding in Rolleston along with how the £100,000 awarded to the village from the Government’s Frequent Flooding Fund would be utilised.
The EA stated to me that Rolleston is a ‘relatively complex’ case, affected by several sources of flooding including surface water, the Rolleston Brook and associated impacts of the River Dove. Earlier this year, the EA removed a bank of silt at the end of Riverside in Rolleston which had built up where the river turns sharply, and silt has also been removed from the Brook Hollows Lake at the top of the village in liaison with the local community.
The main Flood Alleviation Scheme is awaiting detailed modelling, but the EA is expecting options for change shortly. However, they have already specified that there might be potential for a small flood bund up around Brook Hollows Lake to prevent a flood flow route northwards across The Lawns. The EA has also already identified three potential locations for flood reduction facilities upstream of the village and it is also expected there will be an offer of measures to improve the flood resilience of properties that are predicted to be ‘at risk’ from flooding.
I have received assurances from the EA that they will continue to engage with the local community, and I will ensure that this work remains a focus for them so that we can secure positive outcomes for the benefit of Rolleston and its residents.
