Stratford district hit by flooding for a third time
MORE floods, more cost, more misery – Stratford district gets hit for a third time since last October.
Heavy overnight rain once again turned parts of Stratford into a lake and there was also widespread flooding across other areas.
In a relatively short calendar time frame, Stratford and surrounding towns and villages have been hit by floods during October 2023, January this year and now February and each time there’s a big clear-up operation to be done in addition to the cost of the damage caused.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:
“The River Avon is the largest watercourse in the area. At Waterside and Guild Street in Stratford upon Avon we are developing a flood scheme to implement property-level protection measures that help reduce the risk of properties flooding.
“We are reviewing the latest hydraulic model data and individual property requirements and, while this process is underway, as a contingency plan we have agreed with Warwickshire County Council they will provide sandbags for residents to use.
“Racecourse Brook is another watercourse which poses a risk of flooding. Work to assess the risk and associated flood risk mitigation options has been undertaken. The cost of a flood risk management scheme is currently not affordable.”
The Environment Agency added that climate change is happening now which is why we are seeing more extreme weather, with an increase in flooding, coastal erosion and landslips.
“The most recent climate change predictions confirm we will experience wetter winters and drier summers, with an increased likelihood of more intense rainfall leading to flooding.
We’re working to better protect communities from this risk, with climate change projection built into the design of flood defences to ensure they are fit for the future, “ a spokesperson said.
Last Thursday’s deluge saw several flood warnings in force on the River Avon and River Stour which meant Alcester, Henley and Bidford were all flooded at some point.
The River Avon burst its banks in Stratford with flood water covering the Recreation Ground up to and beyond the bandstand surrounding sports and leisure fields.
In Alcester the River Arrow became very high and covered farmland on the edge of the town near the Stratford Road. Several vehicles were abandoned having driven through deep water at the roundabout on the Fosse Way at Halford and Salters Lane near Bearley.
Severe flood warnings were also in place for the River Avon at Welford, Aston Cantlow and Walton.
In Barton near Bidford there were chaotic scenes last Saturday morning when some motorists are thought to have removed flood barriers put in place by the Highways Agency which led to several drivers getting stuck.
An eighty-three-year-old resident in the village – who did not wish to be identified – said: “It could have been very dangerous. Irresponsible motorists removed barriers so they could drive through and a number of vehicles got stuck in three feet of flood water which stretched right across the road from verge to verge. A breakdown lorry and delivery lorry slid into a flooded ditch and a butcher’s van got stuck. Motorists were still attempting to drive through in the evening and the road was impassable on Sunday morning when a breakdown wagon arrived to pull cars out. I think the management systems in modern cars can get locked up and some vehicles will now be write-offs. I’ve seen floodings in my lifetime but in my lifetime but not like this.”
Previous heavy rainfall has left the Bulls Head at Wootton Wawen flooded in the cellar and bar area but owner Martin Peel and his team were ready this time round and a barrier of sandbags proved an effective defence against the flood water last weekend.
“The flood defences did their job and regulars were able to come and have a drink and order food but you can’t deny there’s a flood problem now and while the culverts are blocked and need widening there’s going to be a flood risk. It would also be good if drivers slowed down when passing the pub so it doesn’t create a wave which increases the risk of flooding for us,” Martin said.
