Helping constituents affected by flooding in North West Norfolk
In recent weeks I have been assisting constituents affected by flooding in North West Norfolk. I’ve urgently raised specific issues with Anglian Water's CEO including where constituents have not been able to use toilets or other facilities and liaised with local councils and other agencies to mitigate the impacts of heavy rainfall.
Clearly the immediate priority has been and remains helping households affected by flooding. There then needs to be a review of whether further improvements are needed to the network or actions by other agencies and landowners to help reduce the risk of flooding in future.
In the event of flooding, contact Anglian Water and report non-emergency flooding to Norfolk Strategic Flood Alliance on 0344 800 8013. Please contact me if you think I can help - [email protected]
Anglian Water (AW) has provided me with an update about actions they are taking in relation to the recent flooding in Grimston, Burnham Market and South Creake areas which I wanted to share with constituents. If you have any comments or concerns then please let me know.
AW UPDATE
AW says that the area has been affected by groundwater overloading the sewer network and other drainage systems in the area. AW has been using tankers to take away some of the excess water to protect the environment and reduce the risk of flooding from sewers and manholes.
Earlier this month AW had to temporarily stop using tankers in the area to deal with an emergency sewer main burst in Lincolnshire. The sewer main has now been repaired and they have re-introduced four tankers at three locations in the area over the weekend. AW says these are operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help to protect the environment and alleviate some of the impact on customers’ facilities.
AW says problems in Burnham Market and South Creake are being caused by the river over topping and getting into the sewer network.
Following major flooding in 2020/21, AW invested in the area £1.6 million with £1.46 million of this being invested to increase storm storage and capacity at Burnham’s Water Recycling Centre, so this has enabled the system to operate normally for longer than it previously would have done in such extreme weather.
A “Multi-Agency Engineering Cell” has been formed between Anglian Water, the Environment Agency, Water Management Alliance, North Norfolk Highways, the District Flood Authority and North Norfolk Fire & Rescue. The engineering objectives have been coordinating efforts under a joint working model regarding ongoing flood risk assessments, flood works operations, communications protocols, and overall incident response.
Key actions currently underway include working to open mill gates to improve conveyance, reviewing flood storage capabilities and opportunities for increased attenuation of river flows, addressing highway flooding issues near Friars Lane caused by poor riparian ownership drainage, and establishing hardship fund assistance criteria to aid impacted residents, through sharing of information.
This group will meet again this week to reassess conditions, continue to operate under the joint working model and consider any needs for escalation of response.
AW introduced a tanker to support Burnham Market late on Friday afternoon to help protect the environment and reduce the risk of flooding from its assets.
Public meetings are planned to provide an opportunity for residents to raise concerns with relevant organisations.
FLOOD INFORMATION
Check latest situation here
https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/alerts-and...
Make sure you have signed up for flood warnings https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings or call 0345 988 1188
Advice on what to do in a flood: https://www.gov.uk/help-during-flood
Report non-emergency flooding to Norfolk Strategic Flood Alliance on 0344 800 8013. 999 if it is an emergency
