Carol shares this latest news from Natural Enterprise. Ed
Newport Rivers Group are warning that Carisbrooke could once again suffer damaging flooding, due to the actions of local residents. As it flows through Carisbrooke Lukely Brook pass under a number of bridges, and through a series of screens. Although the screens are cleared regularly, they can quickly become blocked by debris such as garden waste.
For the last couple of months the screen at Carisbrooke Eight Bells Pond has constantly become blocked by vegetation that appears to have come from a back garden or been fly-tipped on the river. Flooding has only been averted by quick actions from Southern Water and local residents.
Carol Flux, speaking for Newport Rivers Group says
“This is wholly irresponsible. Heavy rainfall isn’t restricted to winter months. Summer rain can be heavy and if any of the in-river screens block flooding may well be the consequence.”
Newport has the greatest density of watercourses of any town on the Island and local organisations who are members of Newport Rivers Group have been working on a number of projects to reduce flood risks and aid quick recovery.
Newport Parish Council are preparing a community flood plan and working with Natural Enterprise and the Footprint Trust train local people to become Flood Wardens. These people will be trained to assist their neighbours and best support their both the community and emergency services, who will be particularly stretched in times of flooding. They will operate on a very local – street – level.
Riparian owners have been issued with cards containing some simple steps that they can take to alleviate the seriousness of flooding, should it occur. These steps are:
- Keep growth of waterside vegetation under control but do leave some cover for wildlife
- Keep watercourses free of debris
- Don’t dump garden waste or unwanted plants in or near the river—Do take them to the nearest tip
- Don’t leave unsecured garden furniture near the river
- Don’t allow oils or detergents to spill
- Don’t dump general rubbish in or near the water
Get in touch
Anyone who knows the origin of the vegetation that is regularly appearing in Lukely Brook should contact Carol Flux at Natural Enterprise.
She can also advise anyone wishing to take part in the Flood Warden Sheme. Details of these can be found online or Carol welcomes calls on on (01983) 201563.
