Local MP, Kate Griffiths, has raised the regular plight of flooding in Marchington and measures to support local communities when dealing with these weather incidents with the Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow MP.
In a meeting with the Minister, Kate highlighted the Government’s Flood Warden Scheme and the work of the local Parish Council to take part in the Scheme.
Although the documentation is currently with Staffordshire County Council’s legal team, once approved it will mean that the Parish can implement the scheme and the volunteers, who are already trained up, will be able to action road closures. This means that homes which were flooded last winter will be protected in the future if the Parish Council has the power to take such measures.
Kate said, “I am pleased to have spoken to the Minister who gave me reassurance that she will get back to me urgently so that Marchington’s application to take part in the Scheme is signed off in time for next winter”.
“Marchington sees flooding almost every winter with higher levels of rainfall and I want to thank the work the Parish Council has been doing on behalf of residents to protect the village and homes from flooding”.
Marchington Parish Council Chair, Cllr. Andrew Mann, said, "Marchington residents need control of the road through the village to protect vulnerable properties from damaging traffic bow waves at times of flooding."
Kate added, “I hope the call with the Minister is the push that is needed for Marchington to get this important Scheme up and running and I will continue to work with the Parish Council and colleagues in the Environment Department to further protect residents from flooding in the village.
Picture taken in February 2020.
