I imagine the stomachs of those who live in South Ulverston will be uneasy to say the least.
80mm of rain forecast in the next 24 hours with more on the hills - a viscous coctail.
The worse happening by Saturday evening.
Let me know if I can help - some of you have my phone number to call.
Showing posts with label flooding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flooding. Show all posts
Friday, 14 January 2011
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Update on the Flooding Danger in South Ulverston
As you will know from this blog, since running for the post of County Councillor a couple of years ago, I have maintained a strong interest in developments of the flooding situation in South Ulverston.
I have attended and taken an active role in both the meetings held in the Coronation Hall which I have found most unsatisfactory.
However at these two meeting I have got to know David Myers who is very involved with a group that has regular meeting with the Environment Agency.
Here is his report which he has given permission for me to publish here:
The Environment Agency has been co-operative.
They have listened to everything we have said, and have done, or are doing
something about it. Last week's heavy rain had water from Dragley Beck going
down Rope Walk, but the shallow mound put in the Donkey Field interrupts the
path of the water towards Steel Street.
Low Mill bridge has had some dredging, and the beck downstream of it has had
(and is having) considerable work done to it: debris removed and trees and
tree roots cleared - at least from the South bank. It flows like a river.
The exchanges are friendly, and our perception is that they will do
something towards everything we suggest.
There was an old tidal flap not working, and thence the tidal water entered
Carter Pool uninhibited, but they cleared some debris, for a 95%
improvement. The tidal flap at Priory Point is incorrectly designed, and
cannot close by tidal influence because its centre of gravity is in the
wrong place - it needs a counterbalance. Fortunately this cannot affect
South Ulverston because it is on the other side of a bank.
There may be a public meeting soon, but no date is set yet, and there is
absolutely no doubt that we have moved forward a long way since last year.
Thank you for your interest.
As you will gather from my video, I confirm that a lot of work has been done downstream from Low Mill Bridge which is the stretch that has been filmed. Debris that I started to clear myself has now been removed however in my view the bridge itself shows no improvement and must still serve as a bottleneck for the Beck trying to escape to the sea.
I would have thought the shingle under the bridge also needs to be removed so that it returns to having the much greater clearance that has been described to me by people who live locally.
The clear straight path that is now there downstream of the bridge needs to be replicated upstream up to Birks Bridge ie beyond the place that the river burst its banks and travels to Steel Street.
This I would have thought will provide a better chance that flood water goes to the sea and not to South Ulverston.
Do other people agree with my reasoning?
I'm hoping that there will finally be a public meeting where we will get straight answers, but don't cross your fingers. It could become painful.
I can well understand people becoming frustrated.
Maybe the above report will be reassuring.
But has it done anything to lessen the likelyhood of flooding in South Ulverston?
Monday, 8 November 2010
South Ulverston Flooding Review
It's coming up to a year now since the first meeting about floods in South Ulverston.
The Environment Agency recommended a review every six months.
Do the people of South Ulverston have the stomach for another meeting where buck passing and inaction is the norm. People come away from such meetings frustrated, sick and very angry. Do they want to be made even angrier by authorities coming to meetings, ill prepared and offering no thoughtful answers.
Will anyone finally put the Environment Agency and our councillors on the spot so that real action that moves towards a long term solution is proposed and implemented?
The Environment Agency recommended a review every six months.
Do the people of South Ulverston have the stomach for another meeting where buck passing and inaction is the norm. People come away from such meetings frustrated, sick and very angry. Do they want to be made even angrier by authorities coming to meetings, ill prepared and offering no thoughtful answers.
Will anyone finally put the Environment Agency and our councillors on the spot so that real action that moves towards a long term solution is proposed and implemented?
Friday, 27 August 2010
How much proof of global warming do sceptics need?
Let's not take our eye off the ball.
As we rage on about the lack of tourism and the state of our roads . . . . .
How much proof do the deniers need?
This article and its subsequent discussion is worth joining in!
What will focus Ulverstonians minds on the issue?
Another flood in South Ulverston?
Avril Crutchley and her team of volunteers at Pakistan Flood relief have certainly shown great initiative in dealing with the consequences of our inaction in tackling the results of global warming.
But how many of us are still plugging away at a solution?
With all the emphasis on cutbacks, where has this important issue gone?
Those that can think and battle on several fronts at the same time - please step forward.
Is this a female trait I wonder?
As we rage on about the lack of tourism and the state of our roads . . . . .
How much proof do the deniers need?
This article and its subsequent discussion is worth joining in!
What will focus Ulverstonians minds on the issue?
Another flood in South Ulverston?
Avril Crutchley and her team of volunteers at Pakistan Flood relief have certainly shown great initiative in dealing with the consequences of our inaction in tackling the results of global warming.
But how many of us are still plugging away at a solution?
With all the emphasis on cutbacks, where has this important issue gone?
Those that can think and battle on several fronts at the same time - please step forward.
Is this a female trait I wonder?
Saturday, 21 August 2010
Pakistan Flood Relief
It was great to see a group of volunteers have set up a centre next to Oxfam in the town centre to raise funds for this cause.
Ulverston have always had a great tradition in supporting others who face disaster.
Many years ago The Hope and Anchor organised the filling and the driving of a lorry to Bosnia to provide relief.
Of course you can go on line to make donations to a reliable organisation. There is a desperate need for drinking water.
Ulverston have always had a great tradition in supporting others who face disaster.
Many years ago The Hope and Anchor organised the filling and the driving of a lorry to Bosnia to provide relief.
Of course you can go on line to make donations to a reliable organisation. There is a desperate need for drinking water.
Saturday, 3 July 2010
South Ulverston - flood meeting at the Coro last Monday
I have delayed writing about this as I was so disgusted with the outcome.
The 'officials' made a mockery of the purpose of the meeting by hardly offering any new information. Their presence, sitting there to provide explanations and field questions showed severe contempt for the public by avoiding giving any useful answers.
The politicians were for the most part absent.
The Mayor , Phil Lister tried to do a good job of chairing the meeting, ex-mayor Norman Bishop-Rowe helped proceedings by being friendly and carrying the mike to members of the public that wanted to speak. Only one Town Councillor, apart from Lister and Bishop-Rowe, - Jack Rice spoke up in concern for what had happened.
Despite the key SLDC Councillor Mark Wilson being present he offered nothing of note.
John Woodcock MP sent a representative who offered nice words and an offer of involvement- which remains to be seen.
Where were the other SLDC councillors, and why were the County Councillors totally absent?
Heather Shepherd, a representative form a National Flood Forum organisation whom had come to the meeting specially from the Midlands was very helpful giving advice on obtaining insurance.
David Myers a representative for a new South Ulverston Flood Action Group was a welcome breath of fresh air, presenting challenging facts.
In the end , the only way to obtain information as to the precise cause of the flooding in people's houses was for Dr Geoff Dellow to offer explanations and ask Mike Fell of the Environment Agency whether he agreed - he said the explanation that Was offered was quite probable.This was that because of the sandy soil in the area (similar to that to be found on the adjacent allotments)this allowed to water to travel underground through the soil as a result of the pressure from the lake behind the defense and up through cracks in peoples concrete floor.
Similarly Paul Whitby of United Utilities came totally ill equipped not knowing anything about the existence of the drains in the area. He in turn agreed with Dr Dellow that the surface water drain from South Ulverston to the sewage works by the sea was inadequate which was why the extremely high volumes of water coming from the town instead of taking water away from So Ulverston actually acted in reverse resulting in drain water actually coming out of downstairs toilets into people's houses.
Only trivial agreements were given to the public for the future.
SLDC said that the problem was highly complex and offered nothing more - they showed no sign of caring either. No undertaking was given to clear any of the 14 (out of 15) blocked drains in the area.
Looks like we can expect exactly the same if flooding occurs again in the next five years.
The new flood action group have certainly got thier work cut out.
Heather Shepherd of the Flood Forum commented afterwords that it was meetings like this that totally turned people off that democracy made anything better.
Why did the Mail reporter offer such a poor article in the paper?
Again a second flood meeting with what Officials and Councillors do best : respectively - avoid clear answers and taking on any commitment to sorting a problem out.
Why bother going?
The 'officials' made a mockery of the purpose of the meeting by hardly offering any new information. Their presence, sitting there to provide explanations and field questions showed severe contempt for the public by avoiding giving any useful answers.
The politicians were for the most part absent.
The Mayor , Phil Lister tried to do a good job of chairing the meeting, ex-mayor Norman Bishop-Rowe helped proceedings by being friendly and carrying the mike to members of the public that wanted to speak. Only one Town Councillor, apart from Lister and Bishop-Rowe, - Jack Rice spoke up in concern for what had happened.
Despite the key SLDC Councillor Mark Wilson being present he offered nothing of note.
John Woodcock MP sent a representative who offered nice words and an offer of involvement- which remains to be seen.
Where were the other SLDC councillors, and why were the County Councillors totally absent?
Heather Shepherd, a representative form a National Flood Forum organisation whom had come to the meeting specially from the Midlands was very helpful giving advice on obtaining insurance.
David Myers a representative for a new South Ulverston Flood Action Group was a welcome breath of fresh air, presenting challenging facts.
In the end , the only way to obtain information as to the precise cause of the flooding in people's houses was for Dr Geoff Dellow to offer explanations and ask Mike Fell of the Environment Agency whether he agreed - he said the explanation that Was offered was quite probable.This was that because of the sandy soil in the area (similar to that to be found on the adjacent allotments)this allowed to water to travel underground through the soil as a result of the pressure from the lake behind the defense and up through cracks in peoples concrete floor.
Similarly Paul Whitby of United Utilities came totally ill equipped not knowing anything about the existence of the drains in the area. He in turn agreed with Dr Dellow that the surface water drain from South Ulverston to the sewage works by the sea was inadequate which was why the extremely high volumes of water coming from the town instead of taking water away from So Ulverston actually acted in reverse resulting in drain water actually coming out of downstairs toilets into people's houses.
Only trivial agreements were given to the public for the future.
SLDC said that the problem was highly complex and offered nothing more - they showed no sign of caring either. No undertaking was given to clear any of the 14 (out of 15) blocked drains in the area.
Looks like we can expect exactly the same if flooding occurs again in the next five years.
The new flood action group have certainly got thier work cut out.
Heather Shepherd of the Flood Forum commented afterwords that it was meetings like this that totally turned people off that democracy made anything better.
Why did the Mail reporter offer such a poor article in the paper?
Again a second flood meeting with what Officials and Councillors do best : respectively - avoid clear answers and taking on any commitment to sorting a problem out.
Why bother going?
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Important flood review meeting this next Monday
This is a very important meeting for all the people of Ulverston especially those from South Ulverston:
This Monday 28th June 2010 at 7:00 in the Coronation Mail Hall
It follows what I found to be a shambolic meeting last December chaired bythe then Mayor Norman Bishop-Rowe when a lot of questions were asked and very few answered. One at which I found out far more by talking to the Environment Agency Representative after the meeting than during.
This time, the meeting called, by the new Mayor Phil Lister, to review the findings and progress it is very important. We must be told, as exactly as possible, why the flooding occurred in and around the houses. The issues are not simple.
The residents I believe have some mistaken beliefs of the causes of their problems. As a result ever since the December Meeting they have clamoured for the wrong things to be done to remedy the situation. The town drains and the level of tarmac are not, I believe, the main problem, the control of the river is.
If we get a clear description of the sequence of events from the experts then people can make judgements as to what the priorities should be.
The only people's opinion I would trust is that of the Environment Agency as they are the only people who want to truth to come out. They benefit from a campaign based on their facts, as they can then hope that public pressure, put on the government will result for more funds for the Agency to improve the solution to the problem.
All the other agencies are more likely to try to make out that it wasn't their fault.
The Town in my opinion have a responsibility to make sure that when something similar - or worse happens next, there are clear sets of actions that will immediately happen.
The residents and Ulverstonians in general need to have confidence in the system so that it reaches as fair and quick a result as possible.
I believe if little is done, we will have an even worse disaster within the next five years.
I also believe that whatever is done, in the long term South Ulverston will certainly get flooded so in the long term we must plan for this.
This Monday 28th June 2010 at 7:00 in the Coronation Mail Hall
It follows what I found to be a shambolic meeting last December chaired bythe then Mayor Norman Bishop-Rowe when a lot of questions were asked and very few answered. One at which I found out far more by talking to the Environment Agency Representative after the meeting than during.
This time, the meeting called, by the new Mayor Phil Lister, to review the findings and progress it is very important. We must be told, as exactly as possible, why the flooding occurred in and around the houses. The issues are not simple.
The residents I believe have some mistaken beliefs of the causes of their problems. As a result ever since the December Meeting they have clamoured for the wrong things to be done to remedy the situation. The town drains and the level of tarmac are not, I believe, the main problem, the control of the river is.
If we get a clear description of the sequence of events from the experts then people can make judgements as to what the priorities should be.
The only people's opinion I would trust is that of the Environment Agency as they are the only people who want to truth to come out. They benefit from a campaign based on their facts, as they can then hope that public pressure, put on the government will result for more funds for the Agency to improve the solution to the problem.
All the other agencies are more likely to try to make out that it wasn't their fault.
The Town in my opinion have a responsibility to make sure that when something similar - or worse happens next, there are clear sets of actions that will immediately happen.
The residents and Ulverstonians in general need to have confidence in the system so that it reaches as fair and quick a result as possible.
I believe if little is done, we will have an even worse disaster within the next five years.
I also believe that whatever is done, in the long term South Ulverston will certainly get flooded so in the long term we must plan for this.
Monday, 28 December 2009
How does this match with reality?
We read in the Sunday Sun under the title :
After the Flood
“The Welfare Recovery Group is overseeing the recovery of places hit, including Cockermouth, Workington, Ulverston and Keswick and all manner of things have been planned from Christmas parties and lunches to setting up 24/7 pager helplines over the Christmas period.
“So many different charities are involved as well as us too, such as Churches Together and the Salvation Army. We are all working hard together.
“Cumbria isn’t sitting back and waiting for things to happen . . . the community as a whole is getting on with it.”
A view from the BBC
"We gave Sharon Phillipson Reed in Ulverston a camera to record what happened in the aftermath of last month's flooding."
.
After the Flood
“The Welfare Recovery Group is overseeing the recovery of places hit, including Cockermouth, Workington, Ulverston and Keswick and all manner of things have been planned from Christmas parties and lunches to setting up 24/7 pager helplines over the Christmas period.
“So many different charities are involved as well as us too, such as Churches Together and the Salvation Army. We are all working hard together.
“Cumbria isn’t sitting back and waiting for things to happen . . . the community as a whole is getting on with it.”
A view from the BBC
"We gave Sharon Phillipson Reed in Ulverston a camera to record what happened in the aftermath of last month's flooding."
.
Thursday, 17 December 2009
The Envoronment Agency - information about flooding
They provide loads of information and can be asked questions with the hope of an answer. If they don't we now know who to contact at the top.
South Ulverston people looking for facts could go to this part of their site to get maps under flooding conditions.
I should be possible to find out for instance just how much above high tide level is the pavement out side of your house. This would tell you if a simple drain could solve the problem or if a pump is required.
I firmly believe that you start to win arguments first of all by knowing the facts with which to confront the politicians.
The Environment Agency can provide those facts.
South Ulverston people looking for facts could go to this part of their site to get maps under flooding conditions.
I should be possible to find out for instance just how much above high tide level is the pavement out side of your house. This would tell you if a simple drain could solve the problem or if a pump is required.
I firmly believe that you start to win arguments first of all by knowing the facts with which to confront the politicians.
The Environment Agency can provide those facts.
An article in the Westmorland Gazette
A friend of mine has forwarded a copy of an article published in the Westmorland Gazette, she had kept:
Familiar? - now look at the date at the bottom!
Flood Victims Call For Field Drainage
RESIDENTS of South Ulverston are calling for action to be taken to prevent a re-run of this week's severe flooding.
Torrential rain caused Town Beck and Dragley Beck to burst their banks, resulting in the worst flooding seen in the town in nearly 20 years.
Fire crews were kept busy from 11am until the early evening and council workers were drafted in to put sandbags on doorsteps to stop water from getting in.
Householders in Steel Street and Outcast now want new measures to drain fields and streets.
They say that nothing has been done about draining the fields alongside Dragley Beck, which flood regularly.
South View Farm, Outcast, was the worst affected with water reaching six inches up the wall.
Jennifer Atkinson, who was mopping up this week after the floods ruined carpets and spoilt furniture, said: "This shows Dragley Beck needs urgent attention. The flooding has caused such a mess, I still have a feeling of disbelief that the water came up this far."
Beverley Lewis called for maintenance work to be carried out on Dragley Beck after the garden of her house, which backs onto the river, flooded and water seeped onto the kitchen carpet.
"I've lived here for 12 years and its only been cleaned out once, about seven or eight years ago when they brought a JCB digger in to drain it," she said.
Dominic Scott, from South Lakeland District Council's environmental protection group, has been investigating the causes of the flood.
He said: "We had a large amount of water falling in a very short space of time. The rain ran off the surface very quickly into the becks and streams which couldn't cope with so much extra water.
"But we are as concerned as the residents and will see if any improvements can be made. If a new drainage scheme is needed we will try to see if there is money available to do that but it is such a big river it will be a fairly major scheme."
Meanwhile, on the other side of Dragley Beck, residents of Steel Street had a narrow escape.
Barry Jay, who has lived in the street for seven years, watched the water rising in the field behind his house and, fearing the worst, he rang SLDC.
Mr Jay said: "The field often floods but it just kept coming. We got anxious and I decided to dig a channel of gravel on the car park so the water crept round there.
"This terrace was just an island and the garden was awash, I just couldn't believe it," Mr Jay added.
A Steel Street householder, who did not wish to be named, commented: "We never get the drains cleaned out properly. When we had those big wagons pumping the rubbish out the drains were much better but now all they use is a small tube, its not enough."
During his investigation, Mr Scott discovered vandals had removed the metal sluice gate at Garden Terrace in north Ulverston.
This caused the water from Mill Beck to flow down Gill Banks and swamp back yards.
All the Ulverston residents praised the work of emergency services and council for their quick response.
.
Westmorland Gazette
9:30am Saturday 8th August 1998
Familiar? - now look at the date at the bottom!
Flood Victims Call For Field Drainage
RESIDENTS of South Ulverston are calling for action to be taken to prevent a re-run of this week's severe flooding.
Torrential rain caused Town Beck and Dragley Beck to burst their banks, resulting in the worst flooding seen in the town in nearly 20 years.
Fire crews were kept busy from 11am until the early evening and council workers were drafted in to put sandbags on doorsteps to stop water from getting in.
Householders in Steel Street and Outcast now want new measures to drain fields and streets.
They say that nothing has been done about draining the fields alongside Dragley Beck, which flood regularly.
South View Farm, Outcast, was the worst affected with water reaching six inches up the wall.
Jennifer Atkinson, who was mopping up this week after the floods ruined carpets and spoilt furniture, said: "This shows Dragley Beck needs urgent attention. The flooding has caused such a mess, I still have a feeling of disbelief that the water came up this far."
Beverley Lewis called for maintenance work to be carried out on Dragley Beck after the garden of her house, which backs onto the river, flooded and water seeped onto the kitchen carpet.
"I've lived here for 12 years and its only been cleaned out once, about seven or eight years ago when they brought a JCB digger in to drain it," she said.
Dominic Scott, from South Lakeland District Council's environmental protection group, has been investigating the causes of the flood.
He said: "We had a large amount of water falling in a very short space of time. The rain ran off the surface very quickly into the becks and streams which couldn't cope with so much extra water.
"But we are as concerned as the residents and will see if any improvements can be made. If a new drainage scheme is needed we will try to see if there is money available to do that but it is such a big river it will be a fairly major scheme."
Meanwhile, on the other side of Dragley Beck, residents of Steel Street had a narrow escape.
Barry Jay, who has lived in the street for seven years, watched the water rising in the field behind his house and, fearing the worst, he rang SLDC.
Mr Jay said: "The field often floods but it just kept coming. We got anxious and I decided to dig a channel of gravel on the car park so the water crept round there.
"This terrace was just an island and the garden was awash, I just couldn't believe it," Mr Jay added.
A Steel Street householder, who did not wish to be named, commented: "We never get the drains cleaned out properly. When we had those big wagons pumping the rubbish out the drains were much better but now all they use is a small tube, its not enough."
During his investigation, Mr Scott discovered vandals had removed the metal sluice gate at Garden Terrace in north Ulverston.
This caused the water from Mill Beck to flow down Gill Banks and swamp back yards.
All the Ulverston residents praised the work of emergency services and council for their quick response.
.
Westmorland Gazette
9:30am Saturday 8th August 1998
Incompetent leadership at the Ulverston Flood Summit
Here is the full text of my letter printed (after removing the more controversial parts which were more critical of the Conservative Councillors) in the Evening Mail last Tuesday:
Ulverston Town Council should be complimented for the potential that this meeting had. The number and quality of the people on the panel was impressive, however the way the meeting was run, was very disappointing to say the least (the word "pathetic" comes to mind).
A carefully posed picture in Thursday’s Evening Mail of Chairman, Norman Bishop-Rowe looking "presidential" says it all. He was clearly enjoying being centre stage and the meeting started straight off in a disorganised way with random questions from the floor.
What never happened was an explanation from the experts as to where the flood water in people's houses came from and leading from this to determine a plan of action with preventative measures being agreed.
The experts were just allowed to give vague answers and confusion reigned.
The audience were not allowed to ask penetrating questions and our chairman lacked the competence to elucidate clear answers
Instead the focus of the meeting was diverted away by two red herrings that swam around merrily : why the drains were blocked and why planning permission was being given to future development of land adjacent to Kennedy St.
To secure the limelight hypocritical councillors (Colin Hodgson and others) bombarded the SLDC cabinet who are both Kendal and Liberal Democrats over past planning decisions he himself and his Ulverston Conservative colleagues had previously recommended.
Two apparent sources of large quantities of water were:
1. That flowing down Dragley Beck which then burst its banks in a similar way to that has happened regularly - last time in September 2008 which has been documented well on Youtube..
2. The large volume of water flowing down the town drain along North Lonsdale Road.
A lot of the focus was put on the drains whereas problems arising from the flooding from Dragley Beck, the performance of the main drain and the unfit drainage of surrounding land were only touched upon.
In view of global warming that leads to streams of air, heavily laden with moisture, coming across Cumbria, is it not likely that, with the above confused thinking, houses in South Ulverston will again be flooded within 5 years unless something dramatic is done to counteract this effect?
The Environment agency supported this view.
The following measures surely make sense:
1. A barrier wall is built close to Dragley Beck as was being outlined in questioning after the meeting.
2. A reassessment of an antiquated surface water and sewerage system so as to cope with high rain fall.
3. Government funds made available to enabled homes to raise their floor level by say on foot. Alternatively to purchase houses from residents to relocate should they wish.
4. A reliable means of draining or pumping the water to the sea that does gets close to the houses.
Glyn Vaughan from the Environment Agency recommended that a review be held in six months time.
This man who is clearly on the side of the residents, shed one ray of hope when he stated that a full consultation would be possible under new legislation.
After the meeting he showed me possible action plans and recommended the need for “people power” to get these implemented.
Why didn’t this come out in the meeting?
No wonder South Ulverston Residents are angry.
ULVERSTON TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of a Public Meeting to discuss Flooding Problems
in South Ulverston, held in the Coronation Hall on
Wednesday 9 December 2009 at 7.00 p.m.
Present :
Councils/Organisations & Agencies on Top Table :
Cllr. Norman Bishop-Rowe – Chairman & Town Mayor, Ulverston Town Council
David Parratt – Town Clerk, Ulverston Town Council
Cllr. Graham Vincent – Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration, SLDC
Cllr. Brenda Woof – Portfolio Holder for Environment & Sustainability, SLDC
Lawrence Conway – Corporation Director, Communities, SLDC
Simon Rowley – Assistant Director, Community Services, SLDC
Nick Pearson – Street Care Operations Manager, SLDC
Keith Masser – Area Engineer for South Lakeland, Cumbria Highways, CCC
Glyn Vaughn – North Area Flood & Coastal Risk Management, Environment Agency
Mike Fell – Team Leader, Asset Systems Management, Environment Agency
Eric McDonald – District Engineer for Barrow & District, United Utilities
Carl Milner – Senior Environmental Adviser, GlaxoSmithKline
Inspector Paul Latham – Police, Ulverston
Also Present :
Ulverston Town Councillors
County Cllr Peter Hornby – CCC
District Cllr Mark Wilson – SLDC
District Cllr Jamie Samson – SLDC
Bruce Evans – Assistant Street Care Operations Manager for Ulverston, SLDC
Terry McSorley – Office Manager for John Hutton MP
Members of the Public – 200+
Media Representatives :
Television North West
NW Evening Mail
Westmorland Gazette
Radio Cumbria
1. Welcome :
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Introductions :
Top Table representatives were then invited to introduce themselves in terms of who they were representing, their title and main area of responsibility.
3. Aims & Purpose of the Meeting :
The Chairman read out a statement as follows:
“This meeting has been called following the recent floods in South Ulverston on 1st November and again on 19/20 November, but also because of frequent flooding that has occurred in the past.
There are concerns about a number of issues which Ulverston Town Council and the public have raised on many occasions and which were raised again during public participation at the Town Council Meeting on 23 November. Concerns included blocked gullies and drains which had not been cleared and were full of sand and debris, the frequency of clearing drains and gullies which appear to have been reduced, the channel maintenance of various streams, becks and water courses and Carter Pool, which it is understood is full of silt and rubbish.
It is recognised that we are far more fortunate than the people of Workington and Cockermouth and other parts of South Lakeland that have been recently affected. Nevertheless, it is felt that unless urgent and effective action is carried out, it will be Ulverston’s turn before long to experience a major disaster on this scale.
It is also recognised that the amount of rainfall on 19 November was unprecedented. With regards to the outcome of this meeting, after listening to the concerns of residents and the council and various responses from the panel and discussions, it would seem vital that joint agency meetings are held to agree a list of problem locations, causes where known and an investigation process into what actions should be carried out and by whom, with an agreed timescale. Ulverston Town Council asks that the results of these subsequent meetings be made known as soon as possible.
I also want this meeting to be constructive and not become a slanging match. There is a need to be positive and find a way forward. The aim is to finish this meeting by 9.00 p.m. at the latest”.
4. Public Participation, Responses from the Panel and Discussion :
The Operations Manager at the Back Barrow Hotel asked if the sluice gates had been left open at the upper reaches of the river. Mr. Fell, Environment Agency said they would have only been opened when the river reached a certain level to reduce the risk of flooding and would not have exacerbated the problem.
Mr. I. Lancaster, Kennedy Street, said that North Lonsdale Road and Steel Street became flooded on 19 November and over the weekend, following very heavy rain. Mr. Lancaster added that he had counted 75 drains in the area and at least 16 of these were blocked with silt and rubbish. It took many telephone calls before a gully cleaning vehicle and road sweeper arrived on task. Debris and rubbish were left lying around after the vehicle left the area at 2.30 pm. A number of blocked drains were not cleared. He was told that the sandbags provided would be disposed of as they were contaminated.
Mr. Lancaster asked who was responsible for the water coming into the houses, the failed sewerage system and issues with insurance. With regards to sandbags, Mr. Conway, SLDC said that because of the forecast of heavy rain the previous week, an initial supply of sandbags were provided which was then supplemented by a further 1,200 amounting to over 2,000 overall. They went very quickly. Mr. McDonald, United Utilities was not aware that the sewerage system had failed. Mr. Fell, Environment Agency said that a flood watch had been issued for the area.
Mr. Meyers said that a significant number of drains were not working and could only find one that was. He said that 13 out of 14 drains were blocked solid, the sumps were full of grit in most of them. He added that he then managed to unblock some drains and this reduced the water level considerably. He said that there were blocked drains all over the town and wanted to know who pays the highways agency for clearing the drains. Mr. Masser, Area Engineer said that ultimately it was the Council Tax payer who pays, but Cumbria County Council was responsible. He said that they were trying to clean the drains twice a year, but at present it was only once a year due to reducing budgets. He was looking at additional resources for gully emptying. Mr. Meyers said that the County Council were not providing a service which the Council Tax payers were being charged for.
Mrs. H. Franklin, 112 North Lonsdale Road, drew attention to a letter dated 4 November 2009 from Mr. J. Hutton MP to Mr. P. Ridgway, Chief Executive, SLDC and copied to the Chief Executive of United Utilities, regarding flooding problems at her property in early November. There had been flooding before. She said that there had been no response to this letter. Mr. Conway, SLDC said that he was surprised at this but would check. Mr. Parratt, Town Clerk provided Mr. Conway with a copy of this letter at the meeting. Mr. McSorley, Office Manager for Mr. J. Hutton MP said there had been no response. SLDC and United Utilities would respond within 48 hours.
Mr. McDonald, United Utilities said that the amount of flood water was swamping the drainage system. Mr. Fell, Environment Agency said that they had been clearing all the becks and streams following the flooding. One particular area was related to Dragley Beck near Fitz bridge. A considerable amount of material, stones, and debris had accumulated there and needed to be removed. He added that the Environment Agency did not have exclusive powers to do what it wants and often needed the permission of the land owner. Mr. Masser, Area Engineer said that he understood that the gullies had been emptied during the summer and that the drains were designed to take a one year storm. He said that excessive water beyond this could not be contained, but clearly admitted that there was an issue with blocked drains which needed to be addressed.
A number of questions were then asked about building development on a flood plain area such as the land surrounding North Lonsdale Road. Mr. Conway, SLDC said that this needed to be looked at over a number of years and an assessment of what was going to be done in the future. Mr. Fell, Environment Agency said that planning permission on a flood plain would normally be opposed. The Chairman said that there had been several items of correspondence on this issue and that the area does flood on a regular basis. Mr. Fell said that the Environment Agency was only a statutory consultee and did not have the final say on the matter. Mr. A. Butcher, North Lonsdale Road queried whether all the drains go to the sewer and perhaps the more that is built, particular in a flood plain area, the bigger the problem.
Mr. McDonald said that under normal conditions, there was capacity in the system unless the sewers become overloaded. United Utilities, as for the Environment Agency were also a consultee and can make recommendations but cannot refuse an application. Mr. Conway, SLDC said that when a Planning Application arrives, a number of stakeholders are involved. Mr. Fell, Environment Agency said that they had been looking at protecting properties in Steel Street and since the recent flooding, had met with the SLDC and United Utilities engineers. The river spills over the area by the Rope Walk and there was a need to reduce the water coming across Steel Street and open the drainage channels. There was a need for agencies to work together on these issues.
Mr. Rowley, SLDC, said they were looking at the drainage structure in North Lonsdale Road. There were a number of old culverts and drains running in all kinds of directions. There was a need to build flood resilience in this area and were working as hard as possible with other agencies. Mr. Fell, Environment Agency said they were part way through a comprehensive study of flooding in South Ulverston to reduce future risks. There was a water course passing through a sewer. The water course had collapsed and all the water had been going through the sewer.
Cllr. Mrs. A. Rigg, Ulverston Town Council said that she lived on North Lonsdale Road and was very concerned about the intention to build further development on the flood plain. Cllr. Vincent, SLDC said that the site will offer facilities for different types of business and that there needed to be major reasons for not going ahead. However, he said that residents fears will be addressed and that it was subject to planning permission. One resident pointed out that there was 10 metres of solid clay below the surface which had been drilled out. Cllr. Airey, Ulverston Town Council then asked for a commitment from Cllr. Vincent that the plans be withdrawn as the subsequent effect would result in further flooding of resident’s homes in the area. There was a need for a sustainable answer on flooding. The Local Development Framework was not at a finished stage and the parcel of land could be taken off the market. Cllr. Vincent said that this was not the view of the officers of SLDC. The developer needed the views of the Environment Agency and United Utilities. Cllr. Woof, SLDC said that cabinet cannot change policy and that this would need to be a decision by Council members. Cllr. Wilson, SLDC asked what was the decision making process for employment land and the public petitions that had been handed in.
Cllr. Vincent repeated that the decision is made at Cabinet but that the Environment Agency and other stakeholders would have full input before any planning permission is given. Mr. Vaughn, Environment Agency said that a lot more was known about the effects of flooding in South Ulverston than was known before. They would continue to look at what is needed to reduce the flood risk. Cllr. Jenkinson, UTC referred to Barn Beck which flows into Dragley Beck from a higher level and needed assurance that the condition and affects of the upper water courses were being addressed and the minor becks needed to be looked at. Mr. Fell, Environment Agency said that they didn’t have jurisdiction over the upper water courses, but Mr. Rowley, SLDC said that they would be looked at.
Returning to the proposed development in North Lonsdale Road, Mrs. H. Franklin said that the development should be stopped and Mr. Lancaster said that the field could only be used for 6 weeks of this year due to flooding or saturated ground. Cllr. Hodgson, UTC said that with regard to this planning issue, this had been a cabinet decision and asked that at lease a moratorium be called for the time being until the factors had been addressed.
Cllr. Lister, UTC also asked if the plans would be suspended for the time being. Cllr. Vincent said that all the issues will be investigated but that there was a need to move forward. Mr. Dellow believed that all the factors involved were highly complex. He also considered that SLDC and C.C.C. needed to secure appropriate funds to buy houses from residents who wished to sell them in North Lonsdale Road.
The Chairman then read out a letter that had been received from Mr. J. Kelly, Ulverston, who had been an engineer at Glaxo. He said he had been a resident for forty years on the Ulverston Flood Plains. Historically, traditional industries were based in the area due to a supply of water which had been continuously extracted from large wells. He believed that the end of these industries must have had an effect on the water table. He also considered that as Glaxo no longer had a fermentation process and had closed down other units, that their continuous ground water usage would be much reduced. He also wondered about the condition of the Ulverston Canal, the redundant vacant areas on the Glaxo site and the effects on drainage, tighter control of unauthorised dumping on the floodplain and Carter Pool.
Mr. C. Milner, Senior Environmental Adviser to Glaxo then responded to these questions. He said that with regard to the Canal, it was a clay lined structure. There is an overflow to maintain a constant level but it is regularly inspected. The amount of water extracted by Glaxo had reduced by 60%, but there was no impact on the area. With regard to redundant sites, drainage systems would be left intact. Carter Pool is a site of Special Scientific Interest and is a natural water course. He said that it was not the responsibility of Glaxo and came under the Crown Agents. The Chairman said that concerns had been raised about silting in Carter Pool and the effects on becks that fed into it. The Crown Agents would be contacted.
The Chairman asked Inspector P. Latham for any comments. Inspector Latham said that residents in the North Lonsdale Road area had been very resilient under the circumstances and there was good community spirit. There had been no reports of any looting.
5. Conclusions and Follow Up Actions :
Mr. Vaughn, Environment Agency said that there were many factors involved with flooding problems and that the issues were often not straight forward. He referred to a new piece of legislation, following the recent Queens Speech, the Flood and Water Management Bill. The Bill gave the authority to implement the recommendations of the Pitt report on flooding. The Bill was also likely to have a high priority within the parliamentary timetable and attract cross party support during the remaining months of the present Government.
The Bill seeks to :
(i) define the roles and responsibilities of everyone in flood risk management and give the lead to local authorities for managing the risk of all local causes of floods;
(ii) place a duty on all relevant bodies to share information in support of flood risk management;
(iii) require developers to include sustainable drainage wherever practicable in new housing and business developments.
This will involve a review of plans and strategies put in place by district, county and unitary councils and various agencies.
The Chairman agreed that joint agency co-operation and actions were needed at an early stage to reduce flooding problems. Ulverston Town Council would be keeping a close watch on proceedings and ask that they be informed of progress on these very important matters that have had such a significant affect on the community.
Chairman
(The meeting closed at 9.10 p.m.)
A fat lot of good will that do!
The Ulverston Town Council agree to do practically nothing. They don't even agree to review the situation in six months as proposed by the Environment Agency.
With this amount of commitment from the politicians we can wait for the next Flooding of South Ulverston in a few years' time when there will be more hand ringing and empty words.
To get more posts that are here on this subject click on "flooding" on the label below.
.
Ulverston Town Council should be complimented for the potential that this meeting had. The number and quality of the people on the panel was impressive, however the way the meeting was run, was very disappointing to say the least (the word "pathetic" comes to mind).
A carefully posed picture in Thursday’s Evening Mail of Chairman, Norman Bishop-Rowe looking "presidential" says it all. He was clearly enjoying being centre stage and the meeting started straight off in a disorganised way with random questions from the floor.
What never happened was an explanation from the experts as to where the flood water in people's houses came from and leading from this to determine a plan of action with preventative measures being agreed.
The experts were just allowed to give vague answers and confusion reigned.
The audience were not allowed to ask penetrating questions and our chairman lacked the competence to elucidate clear answers
Instead the focus of the meeting was diverted away by two red herrings that swam around merrily : why the drains were blocked and why planning permission was being given to future development of land adjacent to Kennedy St.
To secure the limelight hypocritical councillors (Colin Hodgson and others) bombarded the SLDC cabinet who are both Kendal and Liberal Democrats over past planning decisions he himself and his Ulverston Conservative colleagues had previously recommended.
Two apparent sources of large quantities of water were:
1. That flowing down Dragley Beck which then burst its banks in a similar way to that has happened regularly - last time in September 2008 which has been documented well on Youtube..
2. The large volume of water flowing down the town drain along North Lonsdale Road.
A lot of the focus was put on the drains whereas problems arising from the flooding from Dragley Beck, the performance of the main drain and the unfit drainage of surrounding land were only touched upon.
In view of global warming that leads to streams of air, heavily laden with moisture, coming across Cumbria, is it not likely that, with the above confused thinking, houses in South Ulverston will again be flooded within 5 years unless something dramatic is done to counteract this effect?
The Environment agency supported this view.
The following measures surely make sense:
1. A barrier wall is built close to Dragley Beck as was being outlined in questioning after the meeting.
2. A reassessment of an antiquated surface water and sewerage system so as to cope with high rain fall.
3. Government funds made available to enabled homes to raise their floor level by say on foot. Alternatively to purchase houses from residents to relocate should they wish.
4. A reliable means of draining or pumping the water to the sea that does gets close to the houses.
Glyn Vaughan from the Environment Agency recommended that a review be held in six months time.
This man who is clearly on the side of the residents, shed one ray of hope when he stated that a full consultation would be possible under new legislation.
After the meeting he showed me possible action plans and recommended the need for “people power” to get these implemented.
Why didn’t this come out in the meeting?
No wonder South Ulverston Residents are angry.
* * *
And here are the Town Council Minutes of the same meeting which illustrate the lack of clarity and action:
Go to the bottom to check what "action" is proposed.
Go to the bottom to check what "action" is proposed.
ULVERSTON TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of a Public Meeting to discuss Flooding Problems
in South Ulverston, held in the Coronation Hall on
Wednesday 9 December 2009 at 7.00 p.m.
Present :
Councils/Organisations & Agencies on Top Table :
Cllr. Norman Bishop-Rowe – Chairman & Town Mayor, Ulverston Town Council
David Parratt – Town Clerk, Ulverston Town Council
Cllr. Graham Vincent – Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration, SLDC
Cllr. Brenda Woof – Portfolio Holder for Environment & Sustainability, SLDC
Lawrence Conway – Corporation Director, Communities, SLDC
Simon Rowley – Assistant Director, Community Services, SLDC
Nick Pearson – Street Care Operations Manager, SLDC
Keith Masser – Area Engineer for South Lakeland, Cumbria Highways, CCC
Glyn Vaughn – North Area Flood & Coastal Risk Management, Environment Agency
Mike Fell – Team Leader, Asset Systems Management, Environment Agency
Eric McDonald – District Engineer for Barrow & District, United Utilities
Carl Milner – Senior Environmental Adviser, GlaxoSmithKline
Inspector Paul Latham – Police, Ulverston
Also Present :
Ulverston Town Councillors
County Cllr Peter Hornby – CCC
District Cllr Mark Wilson – SLDC
District Cllr Jamie Samson – SLDC
Bruce Evans – Assistant Street Care Operations Manager for Ulverston, SLDC
Terry McSorley – Office Manager for John Hutton MP
Members of the Public – 200+
Media Representatives :
Television North West
NW Evening Mail
Westmorland Gazette
Radio Cumbria
1. Welcome :
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Introductions :
Top Table representatives were then invited to introduce themselves in terms of who they were representing, their title and main area of responsibility.
3. Aims & Purpose of the Meeting :
The Chairman read out a statement as follows:
“This meeting has been called following the recent floods in South Ulverston on 1st November and again on 19/20 November, but also because of frequent flooding that has occurred in the past.
There are concerns about a number of issues which Ulverston Town Council and the public have raised on many occasions and which were raised again during public participation at the Town Council Meeting on 23 November. Concerns included blocked gullies and drains which had not been cleared and were full of sand and debris, the frequency of clearing drains and gullies which appear to have been reduced, the channel maintenance of various streams, becks and water courses and Carter Pool, which it is understood is full of silt and rubbish.
It is recognised that we are far more fortunate than the people of Workington and Cockermouth and other parts of South Lakeland that have been recently affected. Nevertheless, it is felt that unless urgent and effective action is carried out, it will be Ulverston’s turn before long to experience a major disaster on this scale.
It is also recognised that the amount of rainfall on 19 November was unprecedented. With regards to the outcome of this meeting, after listening to the concerns of residents and the council and various responses from the panel and discussions, it would seem vital that joint agency meetings are held to agree a list of problem locations, causes where known and an investigation process into what actions should be carried out and by whom, with an agreed timescale. Ulverston Town Council asks that the results of these subsequent meetings be made known as soon as possible.
I also want this meeting to be constructive and not become a slanging match. There is a need to be positive and find a way forward. The aim is to finish this meeting by 9.00 p.m. at the latest”.
4. Public Participation, Responses from the Panel and Discussion :
The Operations Manager at the Back Barrow Hotel asked if the sluice gates had been left open at the upper reaches of the river. Mr. Fell, Environment Agency said they would have only been opened when the river reached a certain level to reduce the risk of flooding and would not have exacerbated the problem.
Mr. I. Lancaster, Kennedy Street, said that North Lonsdale Road and Steel Street became flooded on 19 November and over the weekend, following very heavy rain. Mr. Lancaster added that he had counted 75 drains in the area and at least 16 of these were blocked with silt and rubbish. It took many telephone calls before a gully cleaning vehicle and road sweeper arrived on task. Debris and rubbish were left lying around after the vehicle left the area at 2.30 pm. A number of blocked drains were not cleared. He was told that the sandbags provided would be disposed of as they were contaminated.
Mr. Lancaster asked who was responsible for the water coming into the houses, the failed sewerage system and issues with insurance. With regards to sandbags, Mr. Conway, SLDC said that because of the forecast of heavy rain the previous week, an initial supply of sandbags were provided which was then supplemented by a further 1,200 amounting to over 2,000 overall. They went very quickly. Mr. McDonald, United Utilities was not aware that the sewerage system had failed. Mr. Fell, Environment Agency said that a flood watch had been issued for the area.
Mr. Meyers said that a significant number of drains were not working and could only find one that was. He said that 13 out of 14 drains were blocked solid, the sumps were full of grit in most of them. He added that he then managed to unblock some drains and this reduced the water level considerably. He said that there were blocked drains all over the town and wanted to know who pays the highways agency for clearing the drains. Mr. Masser, Area Engineer said that ultimately it was the Council Tax payer who pays, but Cumbria County Council was responsible. He said that they were trying to clean the drains twice a year, but at present it was only once a year due to reducing budgets. He was looking at additional resources for gully emptying. Mr. Meyers said that the County Council were not providing a service which the Council Tax payers were being charged for.
Mrs. H. Franklin, 112 North Lonsdale Road, drew attention to a letter dated 4 November 2009 from Mr. J. Hutton MP to Mr. P. Ridgway, Chief Executive, SLDC and copied to the Chief Executive of United Utilities, regarding flooding problems at her property in early November. There had been flooding before. She said that there had been no response to this letter. Mr. Conway, SLDC said that he was surprised at this but would check. Mr. Parratt, Town Clerk provided Mr. Conway with a copy of this letter at the meeting. Mr. McSorley, Office Manager for Mr. J. Hutton MP said there had been no response. SLDC and United Utilities would respond within 48 hours.
Mr. McDonald, United Utilities said that the amount of flood water was swamping the drainage system. Mr. Fell, Environment Agency said that they had been clearing all the becks and streams following the flooding. One particular area was related to Dragley Beck near Fitz bridge. A considerable amount of material, stones, and debris had accumulated there and needed to be removed. He added that the Environment Agency did not have exclusive powers to do what it wants and often needed the permission of the land owner. Mr. Masser, Area Engineer said that he understood that the gullies had been emptied during the summer and that the drains were designed to take a one year storm. He said that excessive water beyond this could not be contained, but clearly admitted that there was an issue with blocked drains which needed to be addressed.
A number of questions were then asked about building development on a flood plain area such as the land surrounding North Lonsdale Road. Mr. Conway, SLDC said that this needed to be looked at over a number of years and an assessment of what was going to be done in the future. Mr. Fell, Environment Agency said that planning permission on a flood plain would normally be opposed. The Chairman said that there had been several items of correspondence on this issue and that the area does flood on a regular basis. Mr. Fell said that the Environment Agency was only a statutory consultee and did not have the final say on the matter. Mr. A. Butcher, North Lonsdale Road queried whether all the drains go to the sewer and perhaps the more that is built, particular in a flood plain area, the bigger the problem.
Mr. McDonald said that under normal conditions, there was capacity in the system unless the sewers become overloaded. United Utilities, as for the Environment Agency were also a consultee and can make recommendations but cannot refuse an application. Mr. Conway, SLDC said that when a Planning Application arrives, a number of stakeholders are involved. Mr. Fell, Environment Agency said that they had been looking at protecting properties in Steel Street and since the recent flooding, had met with the SLDC and United Utilities engineers. The river spills over the area by the Rope Walk and there was a need to reduce the water coming across Steel Street and open the drainage channels. There was a need for agencies to work together on these issues.
Mr. Rowley, SLDC, said they were looking at the drainage structure in North Lonsdale Road. There were a number of old culverts and drains running in all kinds of directions. There was a need to build flood resilience in this area and were working as hard as possible with other agencies. Mr. Fell, Environment Agency said they were part way through a comprehensive study of flooding in South Ulverston to reduce future risks. There was a water course passing through a sewer. The water course had collapsed and all the water had been going through the sewer.
Cllr. Mrs. A. Rigg, Ulverston Town Council said that she lived on North Lonsdale Road and was very concerned about the intention to build further development on the flood plain. Cllr. Vincent, SLDC said that the site will offer facilities for different types of business and that there needed to be major reasons for not going ahead. However, he said that residents fears will be addressed and that it was subject to planning permission. One resident pointed out that there was 10 metres of solid clay below the surface which had been drilled out. Cllr. Airey, Ulverston Town Council then asked for a commitment from Cllr. Vincent that the plans be withdrawn as the subsequent effect would result in further flooding of resident’s homes in the area. There was a need for a sustainable answer on flooding. The Local Development Framework was not at a finished stage and the parcel of land could be taken off the market. Cllr. Vincent said that this was not the view of the officers of SLDC. The developer needed the views of the Environment Agency and United Utilities. Cllr. Woof, SLDC said that cabinet cannot change policy and that this would need to be a decision by Council members. Cllr. Wilson, SLDC asked what was the decision making process for employment land and the public petitions that had been handed in.
Cllr. Vincent repeated that the decision is made at Cabinet but that the Environment Agency and other stakeholders would have full input before any planning permission is given. Mr. Vaughn, Environment Agency said that a lot more was known about the effects of flooding in South Ulverston than was known before. They would continue to look at what is needed to reduce the flood risk. Cllr. Jenkinson, UTC referred to Barn Beck which flows into Dragley Beck from a higher level and needed assurance that the condition and affects of the upper water courses were being addressed and the minor becks needed to be looked at. Mr. Fell, Environment Agency said that they didn’t have jurisdiction over the upper water courses, but Mr. Rowley, SLDC said that they would be looked at.
Returning to the proposed development in North Lonsdale Road, Mrs. H. Franklin said that the development should be stopped and Mr. Lancaster said that the field could only be used for 6 weeks of this year due to flooding or saturated ground. Cllr. Hodgson, UTC said that with regard to this planning issue, this had been a cabinet decision and asked that at lease a moratorium be called for the time being until the factors had been addressed.
Cllr. Lister, UTC also asked if the plans would be suspended for the time being. Cllr. Vincent said that all the issues will be investigated but that there was a need to move forward. Mr. Dellow believed that all the factors involved were highly complex. He also considered that SLDC and C.C.C. needed to secure appropriate funds to buy houses from residents who wished to sell them in North Lonsdale Road.
The Chairman then read out a letter that had been received from Mr. J. Kelly, Ulverston, who had been an engineer at Glaxo. He said he had been a resident for forty years on the Ulverston Flood Plains. Historically, traditional industries were based in the area due to a supply of water which had been continuously extracted from large wells. He believed that the end of these industries must have had an effect on the water table. He also considered that as Glaxo no longer had a fermentation process and had closed down other units, that their continuous ground water usage would be much reduced. He also wondered about the condition of the Ulverston Canal, the redundant vacant areas on the Glaxo site and the effects on drainage, tighter control of unauthorised dumping on the floodplain and Carter Pool.
Mr. C. Milner, Senior Environmental Adviser to Glaxo then responded to these questions. He said that with regard to the Canal, it was a clay lined structure. There is an overflow to maintain a constant level but it is regularly inspected. The amount of water extracted by Glaxo had reduced by 60%, but there was no impact on the area. With regard to redundant sites, drainage systems would be left intact. Carter Pool is a site of Special Scientific Interest and is a natural water course. He said that it was not the responsibility of Glaxo and came under the Crown Agents. The Chairman said that concerns had been raised about silting in Carter Pool and the effects on becks that fed into it. The Crown Agents would be contacted.
The Chairman asked Inspector P. Latham for any comments. Inspector Latham said that residents in the North Lonsdale Road area had been very resilient under the circumstances and there was good community spirit. There had been no reports of any looting.
5. Conclusions and Follow Up Actions :
Mr. Vaughn, Environment Agency said that there were many factors involved with flooding problems and that the issues were often not straight forward. He referred to a new piece of legislation, following the recent Queens Speech, the Flood and Water Management Bill. The Bill gave the authority to implement the recommendations of the Pitt report on flooding. The Bill was also likely to have a high priority within the parliamentary timetable and attract cross party support during the remaining months of the present Government.
The Bill seeks to :
(i) define the roles and responsibilities of everyone in flood risk management and give the lead to local authorities for managing the risk of all local causes of floods;
(ii) place a duty on all relevant bodies to share information in support of flood risk management;
(iii) require developers to include sustainable drainage wherever practicable in new housing and business developments.
This will involve a review of plans and strategies put in place by district, county and unitary councils and various agencies.
The Chairman agreed that joint agency co-operation and actions were needed at an early stage to reduce flooding problems. Ulverston Town Council would be keeping a close watch on proceedings and ask that they be informed of progress on these very important matters that have had such a significant affect on the community.
Chairman
(The meeting closed at 9.10 p.m.)
A fat lot of good will that do!
The Ulverston Town Council agree to do practically nothing. They don't even agree to review the situation in six months as proposed by the Environment Agency.
With this amount of commitment from the politicians we can wait for the next Flooding of South Ulverston in a few years' time when there will be more hand ringing and empty words.
To get more posts that are here on this subject click on "flooding" on the label below.
.
South Ulverston -the drains need cleaning
The meeting at the Coro regarding the Flooding focussed largely on the issue of blocked drains.
Here is footage of what happened a year ago - September 2008 - when residents were left to attempt to clean the drains themselves.
In the first case they couldn't manage it but in the second they did.
At the time the water was lapping dangerously close to several of the houses on North Lonsdale Road who were protecting themselves with sand bags.
So the claim that the drains on North Lonsdale Road are not being cleared properly rings true.
The spokesman for the Council excused their service saying that they had thousands of drains to clear but surely with South Ulverston being a flooding blackspot their drains should be given priority, ahead of all others in the area.
Have the drains been thoroughly clean now?
Perhaps the residents need to devise a test for really clear drains themselves?
Emptying ten buckets of water into each drain in one go would show up deficient ones.
Then they could play hell to have them cleaned.
Call round the top officials and Councillors to watch the test on those that fail and see what they are going to do about it.
This has the makings of a fun ritual so that never again would they have a blocked drain.
Having said all this isn't it of equal importance to get a clear explanation of exactly what was the cause of the flooding of houses this time round.
The people who will give the most honest answers are the Environment Agency who have offered to have a review in six months time.
The next people to be questioned are United Utilities as to how effectively the main surface water drains in the town are working when under severe pressure. Is what is happening that water from the town is being dumped in South Ulverston because the old drain can't get the water to the sea fast enough.
The report from one resident that water was coming up out of her loo into her house is very worrying. Exactly what happened.
For the most part, the fact that water came up through cracks in the concrete floor into some houses, which I've seen, suggests that the pressure from the lake the other side of the Steel Street wall was able to push water up into the houses. No amount of sand bags can stop this. The only sensible solution to this seems to me is to raise the floor level by a foot leaving the houses still livable in but requiring considerable work done now for a total reorganisation of the ground floor.
What are your thoughts about what should be done?
Where you happy with the way the Flood summit was conducted?
I was bitterly disappointed as expressed by my letter to the Evening Mail sent in last Sunday.
Here is footage of what happened a year ago - September 2008 - when residents were left to attempt to clean the drains themselves.
In the first case they couldn't manage it but in the second they did.
At the time the water was lapping dangerously close to several of the houses on North Lonsdale Road who were protecting themselves with sand bags.
So the claim that the drains on North Lonsdale Road are not being cleared properly rings true.
The spokesman for the Council excused their service saying that they had thousands of drains to clear but surely with South Ulverston being a flooding blackspot their drains should be given priority, ahead of all others in the area.
Have the drains been thoroughly clean now?
Perhaps the residents need to devise a test for really clear drains themselves?
Emptying ten buckets of water into each drain in one go would show up deficient ones.
Then they could play hell to have them cleaned.
Call round the top officials and Councillors to watch the test on those that fail and see what they are going to do about it.
This has the makings of a fun ritual so that never again would they have a blocked drain.
Having said all this isn't it of equal importance to get a clear explanation of exactly what was the cause of the flooding of houses this time round.
The people who will give the most honest answers are the Environment Agency who have offered to have a review in six months time.
The next people to be questioned are United Utilities as to how effectively the main surface water drains in the town are working when under severe pressure. Is what is happening that water from the town is being dumped in South Ulverston because the old drain can't get the water to the sea fast enough.
The report from one resident that water was coming up out of her loo into her house is very worrying. Exactly what happened.
For the most part, the fact that water came up through cracks in the concrete floor into some houses, which I've seen, suggests that the pressure from the lake the other side of the Steel Street wall was able to push water up into the houses. No amount of sand bags can stop this. The only sensible solution to this seems to me is to raise the floor level by a foot leaving the houses still livable in but requiring considerable work done now for a total reorganisation of the ground floor.
What are your thoughts about what should be done?
Where you happy with the way the Flood summit was conducted?
I was bitterly disappointed as expressed by my letter to the Evening Mail sent in last Sunday.
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Flood meeting at the Coro last night
The problem, a year ago in early September.The threatened houses of Steel Street can be seen in the distance.
The state of Low Mill Bridge one month later.
North Londsdale Road a week ago.
Ulverston Town Council should be complimented for the potential that this meeting had. The number of people on the panel was impressive, however the way the meeting was run, was very disappointing to say the least (the word "pathetic" comes to mind).
A carefully posed picture from the Evening Mail of Norman Bishop-Rowe looking "presidential". Something he is good at!
Even the press who had turned up were not allowed to film or record during the meeting at the whim of the chairman, Norman Bishop-Rowe (the people present weren't given the opportunity to give their approval). Here was an opportunity to put pressure on both the County and District Councils by clearly defining what had happened and by proposing and adopting a plan of action for the future.This did not happen. Instead the politicians played at party politics in front of their desperate audience. No wonder the people in South Ulverston get ignored.
Mayor Bishop-Rowe was clearly enjoying being centre stage and the meeting started straight off in a disorganised way with random questions from the floor. The experts were allowed to give vague answers so that clarity was avoided.
This enabled the people on the panel to duck and dive - it was impossible to ascertain exactly what had happened and who's responsibility the disaster was. Subsidiary issues were dragged in as red herrings that confused everyone. To secure the limelight hypocritical councillors (Colin Hodgson) criticised the SLDC cabinet who are both Kendal and Liberal Democrats over past planning decisions he himself and his Ulverston Conservative colleagues had previously recommended. They failed to focus on the important issues of how to deal with the future.
The focus of the meeting was diverted away from what exactly caused the flooding to the red herrings that swam around merrily : notably why the drains were blocked and why planning permission was being given to future development of land adjacent to Kennedy St.
Neither of these two issues could be described as the cause of the flooding though some would argue that the blocked drains aggravated the removal of flood water and further building could lead to greater surface rainwater to be disposed of.
What would have been helpful at the start was to clarify as clearly as possible what exactly had caused the flooding of people's houses. Because the experts were never asked to explain this in logical steps then confusion and buck-passing was rife.
Two sources of large quantities of water were obvious:
1. That flowing down Dragley Beck which then burst its banks in a similar way to that described in the video above of flooding in September 2008.
2. The large volume of water flowing down the town sewer from the town to the sewage works beyond Glaxo, which flows along North Lonsdale Road.
A lot of the focus was put on the drains whereas problems arising from the flooding from Dragley Beck, the performance of the sewer and the unfit drainage of surrounding land were only touched upon.
Some questioners from the floor were totally ignored until the last minute. One prominent member in the audience had his hand up for three quarters of an hour before being allowed to speak. By then there was only five minutes of the meeting left so that there wasn't enough time to raise anything but the most important question:
In view of global warming that leads to streams of air, heavily laden with moisture, travelling across the Atlantic and dumping rain on our West Coast. Is it not likely that whatever is done that houses in South Ulverston will get flooded again in 5 years time if nothing dramatic is done the counteract this effect?
Should not a scheme be set up that enabled South Ulverston Residents to be able to sell their houses to the local authority, should they want to, and assistance be given to the purchase of newly built housing being proposed for Ulverston in the future.
No answers were received other than the statement form the spokesman for the Environment Agency that yes this last question of how to deal with the long term effects of global warming was at the crux of the problem of flooding here.
The important issue of what action could be taken to minimise the effects of heavy rainfall where never dealt with.
Glyn Vaughan of the Environment Agency offered a potential way forward. He suggested two things:
One was the need for a review in six months of what had actually been done. There was helpful Government legislation awaiting the seal of approval which would make a big difference to ensuring that a solution is found.
The second was the need for people power that would be needed to drive a solution forward.
The people of South Ulverston will need a well organised and persistent approach if they are going to achieve answers. They also need to back anyone willing to support them: Mark Wilson, their district councillor and James Airey the new County Councillor for Ulverston West show promise. People need their politicians to make sure that something has been achieved in six months time.
There's a steep hill to climb.
People will have gone home dissatisfied feeling that they were given no explanations and that once again democracy had failed them : they were being swept out to sea with no rudder or driving force, not even a paddle, to help with a safe outcome.
Never-the-less the power of numbers can be effective. Finding effective representatives which they can all vote for with confidence at future elections will be important.
The state of Low Mill Bridge one month later.
North Londsdale Road a week ago.
Ulverston Town Council should be complimented for the potential that this meeting had. The number of people on the panel was impressive, however the way the meeting was run, was very disappointing to say the least (the word "pathetic" comes to mind).
A carefully posed picture from the Evening Mail of Norman Bishop-Rowe looking "presidential". Something he is good at!
Even the press who had turned up were not allowed to film or record during the meeting at the whim of the chairman, Norman Bishop-Rowe (the people present weren't given the opportunity to give their approval). Here was an opportunity to put pressure on both the County and District Councils by clearly defining what had happened and by proposing and adopting a plan of action for the future.This did not happen. Instead the politicians played at party politics in front of their desperate audience. No wonder the people in South Ulverston get ignored.
Mayor Bishop-Rowe was clearly enjoying being centre stage and the meeting started straight off in a disorganised way with random questions from the floor. The experts were allowed to give vague answers so that clarity was avoided.
This enabled the people on the panel to duck and dive - it was impossible to ascertain exactly what had happened and who's responsibility the disaster was. Subsidiary issues were dragged in as red herrings that confused everyone. To secure the limelight hypocritical councillors (Colin Hodgson) criticised the SLDC cabinet who are both Kendal and Liberal Democrats over past planning decisions he himself and his Ulverston Conservative colleagues had previously recommended. They failed to focus on the important issues of how to deal with the future.
The focus of the meeting was diverted away from what exactly caused the flooding to the red herrings that swam around merrily : notably why the drains were blocked and why planning permission was being given to future development of land adjacent to Kennedy St.
Neither of these two issues could be described as the cause of the flooding though some would argue that the blocked drains aggravated the removal of flood water and further building could lead to greater surface rainwater to be disposed of.
What would have been helpful at the start was to clarify as clearly as possible what exactly had caused the flooding of people's houses. Because the experts were never asked to explain this in logical steps then confusion and buck-passing was rife.
Two sources of large quantities of water were obvious:
1. That flowing down Dragley Beck which then burst its banks in a similar way to that described in the video above of flooding in September 2008.
2. The large volume of water flowing down the town sewer from the town to the sewage works beyond Glaxo, which flows along North Lonsdale Road.
A lot of the focus was put on the drains whereas problems arising from the flooding from Dragley Beck, the performance of the sewer and the unfit drainage of surrounding land were only touched upon.
Some questioners from the floor were totally ignored until the last minute. One prominent member in the audience had his hand up for three quarters of an hour before being allowed to speak. By then there was only five minutes of the meeting left so that there wasn't enough time to raise anything but the most important question:
In view of global warming that leads to streams of air, heavily laden with moisture, travelling across the Atlantic and dumping rain on our West Coast. Is it not likely that whatever is done that houses in South Ulverston will get flooded again in 5 years time if nothing dramatic is done the counteract this effect?
Should not a scheme be set up that enabled South Ulverston Residents to be able to sell their houses to the local authority, should they want to, and assistance be given to the purchase of newly built housing being proposed for Ulverston in the future.
No answers were received other than the statement form the spokesman for the Environment Agency that yes this last question of how to deal with the long term effects of global warming was at the crux of the problem of flooding here.
The important issue of what action could be taken to minimise the effects of heavy rainfall where never dealt with.
Glyn Vaughan of the Environment Agency offered a potential way forward. He suggested two things:
One was the need for a review in six months of what had actually been done. There was helpful Government legislation awaiting the seal of approval which would make a big difference to ensuring that a solution is found.
The second was the need for people power that would be needed to drive a solution forward.
The people of South Ulverston will need a well organised and persistent approach if they are going to achieve answers. They also need to back anyone willing to support them: Mark Wilson, their district councillor and James Airey the new County Councillor for Ulverston West show promise. People need their politicians to make sure that something has been achieved in six months time.
There's a steep hill to climb.
People will have gone home dissatisfied feeling that they were given no explanations and that once again democracy had failed them : they were being swept out to sea with no rudder or driving force, not even a paddle, to help with a safe outcome.
Never-the-less the power of numbers can be effective. Finding effective representatives which they can all vote for with confidence at future elections will be important.
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Flooding - at the Coro this Wednesday 7 - 9pm
I'm sure that you will be all aware of this meeting.
I've asked my County Council Representative, James Airey to be there to express the concerns of those that are lucky to have avoided this trauma. He has replied to say that both he and Peter Hornby will be at the meeting.
"Peter and myself have already toured the affected area with the new area engineer, he will be joining the both of us again on Thursday to look at other issues in Ulverston."
James Airey has the makings of an impressive County Councillor. Can he provide the leadership this town needs?
Mark Wilson the District Councillor is also doing excellent work. Mark is another "doer" . Can the two of them put aside party politics, cut out the waffle and instead achieve a result?
Could these two be an example to the motley crew of the "We like sitting in glory" Councillors that we are "blest" with.
I don't believe that the people of South Ulverston have so far received an honest answer from officials, Glaxo and politicians. They face a complex problem. Money needs to be spent on a detailed analysis of how the problem arises together with alternatives on how to deal with it.
The County and District Council need to accept that they have a responsibility in spending millions of our money in the long term to come up with a fair solution.
There's a tendency for those who live on higher ground to ignore the problems of those lower down. Much of the problem in the future will come from the effects of Global warming which leads to more rain laden clouds coming our way. The wider population have a responsibility to deal with this problem even though it may prove to be expensive.
It was not of these people's making but ours.
I've asked my County Council Representative, James Airey to be there to express the concerns of those that are lucky to have avoided this trauma. He has replied to say that both he and Peter Hornby will be at the meeting.
"Peter and myself have already toured the affected area with the new area engineer, he will be joining the both of us again on Thursday to look at other issues in Ulverston."
James Airey has the makings of an impressive County Councillor. Can he provide the leadership this town needs?
Mark Wilson the District Councillor is also doing excellent work. Mark is another "doer" . Can the two of them put aside party politics, cut out the waffle and instead achieve a result?
Could these two be an example to the motley crew of the "We like sitting in glory" Councillors that we are "blest" with.
I don't believe that the people of South Ulverston have so far received an honest answer from officials, Glaxo and politicians. They face a complex problem. Money needs to be spent on a detailed analysis of how the problem arises together with alternatives on how to deal with it.
The County and District Council need to accept that they have a responsibility in spending millions of our money in the long term to come up with a fair solution.
There's a tendency for those who live on higher ground to ignore the problems of those lower down. Much of the problem in the future will come from the effects of Global warming which leads to more rain laden clouds coming our way. The wider population have a responsibility to deal with this problem even though it may prove to be expensive.
It was not of these people's making but ours.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Flooding in South Ulverston
It's good to hear that two councillors have got involved - Phil Lister and Mark Wilson.
I hope they take this problem on board once the emergency is over.
It will take someone with a bit of perseverance to get a result. Ideally it should be a county councillor. Sadly the previous Labour councillor did nothing other than give bland assurances with no substance.
My attempts to talk to the environment agency got nowhere as I lacked the authority to question them face to face.
The people of South Ulverston themselves could I believe do a lot more to make something happen but I got the feeling that they didn't want to get behind an 'interfering outsider' like myself with the petition that attracted many votes from the town centre.
I spent some time examining the problem and went down to help with blocked drains. Film showing previous flooding is on this blog - just press the label "flooding" below.
I went further than this and started actually clearing what I saw as one of the main contributing factors : the concrete blocks and substantial pitch pine beam that have been dumped over the edge of Low Mill Bridge at the Old Tannery. The result of my initial work rests on the Glaxo side of the bank. I suggested that the quickest solution was to go down and clear the river bed ourselves but sadly nothing happened along these lines.
I have a high regard for the people in South Ulverston but I have learnt that it is important to wait for them to take the initiative. I find it difficult not to be seen as an outsider by some people down there. They now have a Conservative County Councillor who lives in South Ulverston who is the person they must get involved and if this does not happen, they will have to make sure that someone ready to help is voted into office in the future. It is a hard lesson to learn but the only way to get satisfaction is to use the democratic system to get a representative that will fight there corner. Openly bragging that they had voted for no one because 'they are all corrupt bastards' gets them nowhere. Finding a candidate that is ready to put up a fight is the way forward. I hope they are going to be listened to in the coming talks at the Coro.
Meanwhile I have offered them all the help I can.
.
I hope they take this problem on board once the emergency is over.
It will take someone with a bit of perseverance to get a result. Ideally it should be a county councillor. Sadly the previous Labour councillor did nothing other than give bland assurances with no substance.
My attempts to talk to the environment agency got nowhere as I lacked the authority to question them face to face.
The people of South Ulverston themselves could I believe do a lot more to make something happen but I got the feeling that they didn't want to get behind an 'interfering outsider' like myself with the petition that attracted many votes from the town centre.
I spent some time examining the problem and went down to help with blocked drains. Film showing previous flooding is on this blog - just press the label "flooding" below.
I went further than this and started actually clearing what I saw as one of the main contributing factors : the concrete blocks and substantial pitch pine beam that have been dumped over the edge of Low Mill Bridge at the Old Tannery. The result of my initial work rests on the Glaxo side of the bank. I suggested that the quickest solution was to go down and clear the river bed ourselves but sadly nothing happened along these lines.
I have a high regard for the people in South Ulverston but I have learnt that it is important to wait for them to take the initiative. I find it difficult not to be seen as an outsider by some people down there. They now have a Conservative County Councillor who lives in South Ulverston who is the person they must get involved and if this does not happen, they will have to make sure that someone ready to help is voted into office in the future. It is a hard lesson to learn but the only way to get satisfaction is to use the democratic system to get a representative that will fight there corner. Openly bragging that they had voted for no one because 'they are all corrupt bastards' gets them nowhere. Finding a candidate that is ready to put up a fight is the way forward. I hope they are going to be listened to in the coming talks at the Coro.
Meanwhile I have offered them all the help I can.
.
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Hunkering down while the weather rages
Let's hear if there's any help needed as result of the rain.
I have access to dry temporary accommodation in the town centre.
I have access to dry temporary accommodation in the town centre.
Friday, 4 September 2009
Flood warning far less - South Ulverston
Previously very heavy downpour was predicted for this Sunday evening by the Met forecast; the severity of the downpour has now diminished.
Starting slowly at 4 in the afternoon and building up to a downpour of half inch of rain in three hours at ten in the evening. The other side of the coin is that the Met often get it wrong for Ulverston as we have our own microclimate because of our position between Bay and Mountains. Every time I look , the pattern of rain stays the same but the quantities are going down.
Low Mill Bridge will have difficulty coping as I'm not aware of anything having been done by the river authority to remove the concrete blocks and large beam that is embedded in the river bed just downstream of of the bridge.
I shall be raising this issue with Peter Hornby, the new County Councillor for East Ulverston who James Airey assures me is a good man and will be fighting for Ulverston. The two of them could make a good team.
Starting slowly at 4 in the afternoon and building up to a downpour of half inch of rain in three hours at ten in the evening. The other side of the coin is that the Met often get it wrong for Ulverston as we have our own microclimate because of our position between Bay and Mountains. Every time I look , the pattern of rain stays the same but the quantities are going down.
Low Mill Bridge will have difficulty coping as I'm not aware of anything having been done by the river authority to remove the concrete blocks and large beam that is embedded in the river bed just downstream of of the bridge.
I shall be raising this issue with Peter Hornby, the new County Councillor for East Ulverston who James Airey assures me is a good man and will be fighting for Ulverston. The two of them could make a good team.
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Petitions
The following petitions are circulating in Ulverston and will be presented to the County Council at their meeting in Kendal on September 25th. Contact Geoff Dellow at gd at tygh.co.uk (written this way to avoid SPAM). Alternatively at the Rose and Crown at 11:00 any Saturday when Geoff looks forward to meeting proactive people! Repair of Cobbles in Market St, Ulverston
We urge the County Council to review their duty to make contractors accountable for shoddy workmanship resulting in dangerous road conditions after work to install their services. We request an undertaking to repair the length of the street by March 2009 otherwise we will pursue legal action against the county.
Repainting the Road Markings in Ulverston
The situation has got so bad that over 50% of the white markings in the town including Halt, Roundabout and in particular the Zebra Crossing at the top of Brewery Street are extremely faint. We request that the County deal with this problem within the next few weeks as it can be dangerous in some cases.
Need for a Roundabout at A590 / North Lonsdale Junction .
It has become obvious that the present solution is both dangerous and restrictive to the flow of traffic at an important junction that will have increasing demands placed on it as both industrial use increases because commercial sites are developed and as the number of residents of South Ulverston having cars increases. We request that drastic measures such as compulsory land purchase are pursued with the Highways Agency as soon as possible.
20 mph Speed limit for North Lonsdale Road
To reduce the speed limit of heavy industrial vehicles and workers’ cars along this straight narrow road as they move through a residential area of some 600 adults and children.
Reducing the risk of Flooding of South Ulverston.
To have work done on the bed of the river so that Dragley Beck is less likely to burst its banks. We recommend work at Low Mill Bridge
Double yellow lines in the region of Kennedy Street/North Lonsdale Road
To increase visibility by preventing parking close to dangerous intersections. This will greatly reduce the risk of serious accidents between vehicles and pedestrians as they emerge from the likes of Kennedy Street and the speeding vehicles along North Lonsdale Road.
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Saturday, 6 September 2008
Raging Dragley Beck threatens South Ulverston
Taken at 18:30 to 19:00 Friday Sept 5 2008
Before Fitz Bridge
The Rope 'Walk' from Fitz Bridge
At Low Mill - the cause of the problem. Here film shows the view looking downstream towards Low Mill Bridge. The water is so high that the arch of the bridge can be scarcely seen. The water is being prevented by the small opening of the bridge from escaping. The solution is to dig out the river bed to the level it was many years ago when locals talk about being able to walk under this bridge and when river maintenance was good.
Before Fitz Bridge at the back of Park Estate
Before Fitz Bridge
The Rope 'Walk' from Fitz Bridge
At Low Mill - the cause of the problem. Here film shows the view looking downstream towards Low Mill Bridge. The water is so high that the arch of the bridge can be scarcely seen. The water is being prevented by the small opening of the bridge from escaping. The solution is to dig out the river bed to the level it was many years ago when locals talk about being able to walk under this bridge and when river maintenance was good.
Before Fitz Bridge at the back of Park Estate
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