A Binstead resident has described the confirmation of a flood protection installation start date as “a huge relief, taking the edge of the anxiety”, after receiving notification that work at her home will begin on 6th May 2026.
Abi Williams is one of a number of residents set to benefit from the Binstead Property Flood Resilience scheme, which aims to improve protection for homes affected by flooding through practical measures to reduce the risk of water entering properties.
She said the experience of repeated flooding had changed the way she lives,
“When you’ve been affected by flooding, it changes how you live.
“You check the weather more than you should, you worry about the next downpour and you keep thinking, ‘Will it happen again?’. Being told there’s a start date and that the kit is ready makes it feel real. It’s a huge relief.”
Hit five times
Abi described the impact on her household as severe and prolonged. She said,
“We had been hit hard and not only once, but five times. To have the prospect of protection meant a lot to us.
“We attended the community meeting, then through communications with the EA and the provider, we felt more confident as it moved forward.”
She paid particular tribute to Binstead and Fishbourne’s independent councillor, Ian Dore, crediting him with driving the scheme forward. She said,
“On this I also have to credit our local councillor Ian Dore, for driving the scheme forward and keeping focus on delivery. He’s out in the ward constantly and was at my house, when the flooding struck. His presence is appreciated and he listens and follows up.
“The fact this programme exists at all, is down to his hard graft and persistence with the EA and the planning office.”
30 properties to benefit
The scheme covers 30 properties across Binstead and carries an estimated cost of £300,000, including a small contingency for unforeseen events.
All products are now manufactured and the installation programme begins next month.
Fellow resident William Nicholson, whose home is also part of the scheme, described the anxiety of a near-miss as recently as February. He said,
“As recently as 1st February at just after 7pm, we had a colossal amount of rain and as it was rising, there was a clear risk that it could enter the house again.
“We have sandbags but the PFR installation is the thing that will offer us maximum protection. We are eternally grateful and the support since the flooding has been superb.”
He also noted a subsequent heavy downpour a fortnight later, and the response it prompted.
“Two weeks later there was another heavy downpour and although we weren’t affected, Councillor Dore was out there (soaked again), ensuring emergency support could be requested if necessary.
“The planning office and lady from the environment agency also need thanking, as they have all worked together to provide something that will protect us and our family. We are truly grateful.”
Built from scratch
Councillor Dore acknowledged the long road to reaching this point, and the frustration some residents expressed along the way. He said,
“On the week the levy funding for this project was approved, Binstead was hit hard again, with one resident accusing me of it ‘all being words’.
“It wasn’t of course but when your house has been flooded, I totally understand the emotion and can empathise. You take it on the chin and keep plowing on with delivery.”
He described the scheme as a grassroots effort built without any existing template to follow.
“That of course takes time as its very complex and especially as there is no mandate or funding. This specific scheme was built from scratch, with the integration of an officer from the EA into IWC planning. It wasn’t something to tap into, it was a grass roots project through partnership working and boots on the ground.
“Installations start on 6th May and this element sits alongside wider work in the ward, to improve flood mitigation. Not just words, not a wishlist, physical installations to protect 30 families.
“Result.”
