Francesca Glyn-Jones -
17-Aug-2007 - Around 65 people attended
a drop-in session organised by the Environment
Agency for residents affected by the recent
flooding in Collingham.
The drop-in was held on Wednesday, and
the aim was to give residents an opportunity
to learn more about the flooding, and for
officers to gather information about the
affected areas.
The flooding came from Collingham Beck,
rather than the River Wharfe which is thought
to be the first time this has happened in
40 years.
Area flood risk manager Thomasin Turner
said: “It was a busy day and the information
which residents gave us about the beck was
invaluable.
“This information will be used to build
up a better picture of the flooding in specific
locations, and although we cannot stop the
problem altogether, we are continually adding
to our understanding of flooding in Collingham
which helps us to consider improvements
for people in the village.”
Homes close to Collingham Beck back on
to a privately-owned flood embankment which
was built around the same time as the development.
Residents whose properties adjoin the bank
are responsible for maintaining their stretch,
and Environment Agency officers used the
drop-in session to stress the importance
of keeping it in a good condition and clear
of obstructions.
Anyone who wishes to make any alterations
within eight metres of a watercourse must
apply to the Environment Agency for consent.
The organisation carries out its own maintenance
of the watercourse as part of its annual
programme of inspections and clearing. However
getting to parts of the beck is difficult
because the only access is through people’s
gardens.
Staff are now looking to see if there are
any other ways of helping to reduce the
impact of flooding on the community.
They are looking at the possibility of
installing water level gauges on Collingham
Beck which staff can monitor from their
York office, 24 hours a day.
The Environment Agency is responsible for
flood protection from main rivers. It has
gauges on many main rivers across Yorkshire
which helps officers to monitor water levels
and the likelihood of flooding.
The rights and responsibilities of owners
of property or land next to a watercourse
is explained in an Environment Agency booklet
called Living on the Edge. This is available
to download from www.environment-agency.gov.uk
or alternatively request a copy by ringing
01904 822546.
