Herefordshire Council is in “deep water” over flooding concerns at Leominster which could threaten the future prosperity of the town, it’s been claimed this week.
Town councillors fear that major investors could be put off coming to Leominster if problems aren’t soon sorted, while a number of local residents continue to live in fear as a result of last year’s record floods.
The mayor, Councillor Peter McCaull told Herefordshire Council’s highways’ engineer Martin Jackson that those who had been forced from their homes in Silurian Close last summer as a result of severe flooding were “terrified” of a repeat of their miseries.
Elsewhere in the town, Councillor McCaull reported that “one sharp storm” was enough to cause serious flooding on the Worcester Road near Leominster railway station.
In a recent incident, he said he had had to stand in the road and direct traffic because an upturned manhole cover beneath the water posed real dangers to motorists.
He claimed that repeated difficulties in Worcester Road were down to blocked drains and gulleys.
In a tongue-in-cheek remark, he told the meeting that Herefordshire Council was in deep water over the issue.
Deputy mayor, Councillor Richard Westwood claimed just one day’s rain could cause extensive flooding.
He claimed that drains were “not sufficient” to cope with rising water and pressed for regular reports on Herefordshire Council’s efforts to ease the situation.
Councillor Peter Reed reported that the roundabout near Leominster industrial estate was “constantly flooded” with deep water.
“This is one major access into Leominster which is almost completely blocked. It’s a serious issue,” he said.
Councillor John Thomas believed a systemic problem had developed since the new road was built.
“I wonder if the drains are good enough,” Councillor Thomas said. He questioned whether mail order giant M&M Direct, whose Leominster base was seriously affected in last summer’s storms, moved part of its operation to Moreton-on-Lugg because of flooding issues.
Councillor Roger Hunt felt there were real difficulties in trying to establish who was responsible for flooding.
“We’re told, it’s not our responsibility, it’s Welsh Water’s responsibility, or the Environment Agency or Ofwat – the list goes on and on,” he said.
“There are people living in fear and dread of further flooding and there are concerns for industrialists too,” he added.
“The future prosperity of this town depends on the industrial investment and millions of pounds have been spent on building the industrial estate, and we don’t want to risk that.”
Meanwhile, Leominster residents had been forced out having suffered the “worst experience ever” when flood water mixed with foul drain water entered their homes.
The mayor added that it was eight months before householders in Silurian Close could return to their homes.
Mr Jackson explained that Herefordshire Council faced the same issues all over the county as a result of last year’s floods.
Preliminary investigations would shortly be launched, he announced, following the recent appointment of a member of staff who would concentrate on the problem.
Mr Jackson said the work would progress “exceedingly slowly” due to the extent of problems all over the county in 2007.
He confirmed that the council was aware of problem areas in Leominster, including Silurian Close.
