On November 25, Angela chaired the Worplesdon Flood Forum, kindly hosted and organised as ever by Worplesdon Parish Council and the brilliant Gaynor and Victoria.
These flood forums are designed to bring people together and talk about problems that have historically suffered from buck-passing and problems establishing responsibility. But they do work and produce results and she was delighted to note the following successes:
Perry Hill Antiques - repairs to the drain should now resolve the issue of water flowing over the dropped kerb and down into this local business in the heart of Worplesdon
Jacob's Well Recreation Ground - a fallen tree blocking a drain and causing potential for flooding to nearby properties has been removed. It is worth noting that neither Surrey County Council nor UK Power Networks acted to remove the tree when asked so despite it being on their land. Worplesdon Parish Council had to step in; this is disappointing but the issue is now resolved thanks to the parish council putting local people first.
Salt Box Road roundabout - instead of a huge soakaway at a cost of £350,000, an alternative fix by Surrey County Council has been designed and was finished today. This should prevent the huge floods at this location that we've seen recently.
There are, of course, many other items being chased by the forum. But it is great to see action happening.