Flooding - Lib Dems Demand Action (Surrey Heath Liberal Democrats

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Flooding - Lib Dems Demand Action

February 7, 2007 12:23 AM

Robert Hardless and Cllr David Crew want better flood protection in Windlesham

The flooding chaos suffered by many residents in August 2006 after freak rainfall, and again in November after prolonged spells of rain, is not a "one off" warns Windlesham Lib Dem Councillor David Crew.

David believes that much more needs to be done locally to combat the adverse affects of climate change, including flash floods from heavy rainfall. He told Focus "Our Conservative

Council, embarrassed by its previous inaction, has now started to tackle the issue of

emergency planning by providing a few sandbags to some residents. However, until

someone is prepared to take responsibility for clearing the many drainage ditches in this

area, then we will continue to have a huge problem. Some landowners have filled in their

ditches to gain extra garden. Planners have allowed building over the ditches in the past;

and allowed new developments without adequate provision for surface drainage. I believe

the Council must tackle this problem now."

The inability of Conservative controlled Surrey Heath Borough Council and Surrey County Council to tackle this problem is appalling. They need to stop 'squabbling' and get on with it - clear out our ditches and culverts.

Liberal Democrats will continue to press for action to ensure that our homes are protected as far as possible through proper flood management planning.