You can download this newsletter as a PDF here…
Or sign up to receive our email newsletter here…
Welcome to the first Newsletter of Southwell Flood Forum.
The Forum was set up, after the huge storm and consequent flooding on 23rd July 2013, to reduce flood risk and support residents become more flood resilient.
This is a long-term issue and we’ll be working, representing the community, in partnership with agencies and authorities to achieve this.
We will update you regularly on progress and how you may be further involved.
There will be regular updates in The Bramley and Newark Advertiser.
There will also be a regular Forum Help Desk at Southwell Library manned by volunteers to help, support and guide you on flooding issues. When appropriate, your concern/question will be referred to the relevant person, agency or organisation.
Our first public meeting
September 10th was a resounding success,
- over 500 people attended in the Minster
- press and TV coverage
- over 100 people volunteered – highly skilled technical expertise, experienced admin, enthusiastic and energetic dyke clearers through to offers of tea and cakes.
- Tim Farr, our local ‘Flood Expert’ helped us understand the funding process
Information-gathering
A wealth of information has been received via the Survey Forms – please continue to send these (online from our website or forms at library/post office.
Our technical experts have emphasised that YOUR experience is the most important data for the Survey (see below), so we will continue to seek your input at meetings and the Help Desk at the Library (to arrive soon).
- We also welcome experiences relating to historical events (regular or one-off) because we are all aware that there are regular isolated incidents throughout Southwell when there is heavy rainfall.
- A variety of comments and ideas were aired by residents at the meeting
- Members of the Forum are doing extensive ‘grass-roots’ investigations into Southwell’s flooding issues, both historical and recent.
- Many skilled technical experts are involved with the Forum, providing us with invaluable information and support.
Council Tax Breaks for evacuated floodees
Bruce Laughton, NSDC Councillor, announced that the NSDC will consider requests from residents to have a Council Tax break of up to 6 months if they have had to evacuate their home.
A pro-forma letter is available on our website or at the Help Desk at the Library which will be active in the near future.
Flood Modelling Survey
Commissioned by Nottinghamshire County Council
This Survey will investigate the reasons for flooding in Southwell and possible solutions.
The Forum has been very involved in ensuring the Survey covers all the issues and areas affected by flooding and intends to work closely with the Consultants to ensure proposed solutions are workable, pragmatic, affordable and, most of all, move us to the next stage – to implement flood mitigation that will be EFFECTIVE and SUCCESSFUL.
It is hoped this Survey will be completed early 2014.
The information you provide about your experiences and observations of all flood-related incidents will be necessary and invaluable for this Survey.
Task/Steering/Help groups
The Forum has been tireless in its efforts and after the huge volunteer response, we are delighted that many residents are now involved in dedicated groups to focus on particular issues or can provide essential support including one-to-one advice, support and guidance.
If you are interested in being actively involved, please do let us know.
More information will be available soon about the groups and support available. We have already been able to ‘match up’ 3 people who are experiencing problems with local insurance experts who have offered their services.
Potwell Close residents
Following a meeting on Wednesday 25th September with Council and Forum Representatives, elderly council tenants, who were flooded and suffering from slow progress and lack of attention of their plight, were assured by Stephen Feast of Newark and Sherwood Homes, that they would be back in their properties by the end of November. There was also news that they could receive rebates on their rent and Council tax, if they have been evacuated to another rental property.
Individual House Level Protection
Long-term flood alleviation measures will take time to fund and implement. Meanwhile the many volunteers of the watercourse team are clearing debris and progressing the schedule of gully/drain cleaning by the Council.
While 23rd July was a freak storm, we know there are regular incidents of isolated flooding, so for peace of mind in the short-term you may consider how to protect your home to minimise the impact of such events.
Do visit National Flood Forum’s website (Blue Pages Directory) and ensure you obtain thorough independent advice and a survey. Sandbags and Aqua Sacs can be simple solutions for many people.
National Flood Forum
www.nationalfloodforum.org.uk
01299 403055
An extremely helpful and friendly organisation for advice.
Helps people to prepare for flooding in order to prevent it or mitigate its impacts
Helps people to recover their lives after they have been flooded.
Campaigns on behalf of flood risk communities by working with government and agencies.
Flooding Feedback Drop-in Sessions
Wednesday 25th September
This first Drop-in session was well attended, representatives from the Forum attended and met with many residents.
We’ll be there at the next one on …
Saturday 5th October
Southwell Leisure Centre – 11am to 3pm
- District and County Councils
- Environment Agency
- Severn Trent Water
- Trent Valley Internal Drainage Board
- Independent Flood Advisor
will all be present to discuss your experiences and concerns.
Southwell Ploughing Match and Show
Saturday 28th September
A very popular Forum stand with maps and displays of welcomed landowners, farmers, supporters and volunteers to support our work.
Southwell Flood Forum website
The website is growing rapidly with a wealth of information and news.
- Online survey form
- Newsletter sign-up form
- Resources page with links to useful websites
- Photos and videos (send to images@southwellfloodforum.org.uk)
- Press articles, media coverage
- Contact details
