Ryde Town Councillors last night expressed their concern at a ‘lack of communication’ from Southern Water in relation to the current flood mitigation works taking place along The Strand.
Many properties in the area have, for several years, been prone to flooding, some unfortunately with sewage flooding back up into homes, causing extensive damage.
Last night’s meeting heard about the groundswell of gratitude from residents about the scheme.
What are the plans?
The works, which started at the beginning of last week, are expected to take around six months to complete (with a break over the Christmas and New Year period.
It sees the installation of a new, larger capacity sewer along The Strand, as well as a new underground stormwater storage tank (15m deep and 10m wide) and pumping station beneath the Royal George Memorial Ground at the eastern end of The Strand.
Reducing those on the flood risk register
Keith Herbert from Southern Water explained to councillors that the company – who are regulated by Ofwat – are approaching the end of a five year period within which they needed to show they had reduced the number of customers affected by flooding.
The company have met with all the affected residents, installed flow surveys in the manhole chambers and sewers to understand what’s been happening with the water in the area and come up with four possible solutions designed to mitigate the risk of future flooding.
The current solution was selected as the most appropriate.
Lack of communication raised
The chair of the meeting, Cllr Tim Wakeley, read out a statement from Cllr Phil Jordan which raised concerns about the ‘lack of communication’. The problem appeared to be that Southern Water, although having been in discussions with the council and flood groups, had not informed them of the most recent plans until the work had started.
Cllr Wayne Whittle reminded members it had been five years since the Flood Group was formed and that it had been a struggle to get all the agencies to attend meetings. He was pleased to see the plans for the wider sewage pipe, and hoped that momentum of all working together could be retained.
“I don’t want confusion and upset to delay the scheme.” he told members, adding, “The last thing residents want is work to be delayed.”
He reiterated the importance for Southern Water to be in communication with councillors and the planning department at the council.
Independence from the council
Keith Herbert stressed the fact that Southern Water is a private company and asked the councillors to understand they did have independence.
He added that 20-30 customers would be looked after by works and that they’d rushed into solution, because it needs to be delivered quickly.
He assured councillors that best endeavours would be made to keep them – and other relevant agencies – up-to-date and accepted that, “we have some engagement work to do”.
Councillors accepted the assurances and reminded Mr Herbert that when Islanders’ properties flood, they’re the ones who are accountable.
Burial ground?
Concerns were raised by the planning clerk and Cllr David Moore that there could be human remains of sailors buried in the Memorial Ground.
Steve Knight from Clancy Docwra was able to assure the councillors that processes are in place should any bones be discovered when digging in the area. He added that the County Archaeologist was also aware of the project and monitoring the site.
Should any bones be found, the relevant licence would be applied for. The remains would be dealt with sensitively and given a proper Christian burial.
Missing £30,000 report
The mystery of a £30,000 report was discussed by councillors.
Both Kevin Herbert and Steve Knight advised they knew nothing about the report, as chairman of the meeting, Cllr Wakeley, told members that £30,000 had been allocated to fund a report in the flood issues in the area.
After some discussion, it was thought that it was perhaps the Environment Agency were carrying out the work and this would be followed up with the Isle of Wight council.
