In recent days several constituents as well as Burnham Market Parish Council and local councillors have contacted me regarding flooding in the Creakes, the Burnhams, Thornham, and other villages.
As you are aware, groundwater levels are extremely high and the drainage system is unable to cope with the volume of floodwater or to take excess flows from rivers, streams, or highways.
I am very concerned at the situation many households are facing and sites including Deepdale’s pumping station. I have been raising the need for action on their behalf with Anglian Water, the Environment Agency, as well as other local authorities. On Friday, I met constituents in the and Burnham Market to see first-hand the issues.
Today, I spoke to Anglian Water again to reiterate constituents’ concerns about the number of tankers being provided. Unfortunately, there are only a limited number of tankers available and they are being deployed across the region to deal with flood issues. However, I was assured that Anglian Water has been using four tankers to help remove floodwater and that this operation continues.
Alongside this ongoing action, Anglian Water are seeking a temporary permit from the Environment Agency to allow the floodwater to be pumped into the River Burn. I have spoken to the Environment Agency about this. It is a decision for them and a permit will only be granted if certain environmental criteria are met.
I have also asked Anglian Water to provide better communications to local residents about the action that is in hand to deal with the flooding.
Anyone with an emergency such as a loss of toilet facilities or blocked sewer should report this by calling Anglian Water 03457 145145 or online https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/help-and-advice/report-an-issue Anglian Water is receiving high volumes of calls and is prioritising household facing internal flooding. Anyone concerned they have not had a response please contact my office.
There is an immediate crisis response underway. However, there needs to be a longer-term solution involving many agencies to improve the infrastructure so it is better able to cope with significant levels of rainfall.
