Memorandum submitted by RB Shacklock (FL
55)
1. Long Compton lies in a valley surrounded
by hills and with a stream fed by springs. On 20 July 2007, the
village was inundated with 4.5 inches of rain in 24 hours and
30 properties (10% of village) were flooded internally. No advance
warning (other than weather forecasts) was given and no help was
offered afterwards. Indeed, the Environment Agency did not recognise
the village as a flood area as it has no "named" river,
only a stream. This stream feeds the Stour, Avon and Severn and
we see it as an early warning for towns downstream (e.g. Shipston
floods 6 hrs later, Stratford-on-Avon 24 hrs, Evesham 48 hrs,
etc.).
2. The District Council was unaware and
offered six questionnaires, increased when they were advised of
the situation, but have not offered any further assistance.
3. Why is the Environment Agency not responsible
for all flooding, and why is there no "early warning"
network?
4. Are there to be visits to flooded localities
to ascertain what flood prevention measures can be taken? And
who will fund the measures?
5. As the insurance cost from the floods
will be at record levels, why is there no financial inducement
for them to contribute to flood prevention?
RB Shacklock
August 2007
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