Ross-on-Wye Faces Recurring Flooding, Sparking Frustration and Calls for Action
Following a deluge of rain that fell on the town overnight Saturday and Sunday, September 7 and 8, the drainage system, which still appears to be full of debris, couldn’t cope resulting in Brookend Street becoming flooded again. This comes just months after a similar incident in May, leaving residents and businesses reeling from the impact of the repeated floods.
Hairdresser Lorraine Davies, who has been trading in Ross for over 40 years, expressed her frustration at the situation. Davies told a meeting of Ross Town Council that flooding used to be a once-a-year occurrence, generally in November due to heavy rain from thunderstorms. However, she has been flooded twice this year, first in May when the sewer collapsed and then again over the weekend.
Davies highlighted the need for action to clear the drains and address the underlying problem. "Until somebody clears the drains, from the Prince of Wales pub downwards towards Brookend Street, this problem is going to continue," she stated. "I am sick and tired and fed up with it. I want some answers. Which body is responsible for the gulleys and sewers because to me they seem to be chock-a-block? It needs proper machinery to carry out this work. It’s not good enough just taking two scoops out the drain at a time as this doesn’t solve the underlying problem."
Davies' concerns reflect the sentiment shared by many other traders in the area. They are tired of the constant flooding and its disruptive impact on their businesses. The frequency of the floods, Davies emphasized, is getting "ridiculous." She further pointed out that it's not just water that is causing the issue, but debris coming out of the drains, making the situation even worse.
Addressing the Problem: A Multi-faceted Approach Needed
While the flooding is a pressing issue, the town council is taking steps to address the situation. Herefordshire Council has allocated additional funding this financial year from the local drainage fund to intensify gulley clearing efforts. However, some members of the council acknowledge that this is merely a temporary solution, treating the symptoms rather than addressing the root cause.
Councillor Ed O’Driscoll emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy. "We have to cope with the impact of the flooding. Yes, this is coping with the symptoms rather than dealing with the cause, but there is funding available for businesses to have flood barriers installed, which takes about a minute to assemble. This would eliminate the degree of frustration that business owners suffered over the weekend. It is recognised that Brookend Street is prone to flooding. If we can help businesses by treating the symptoms this would reduce the time they spend mopping up before taking a holistic approach to solve the whole problem across the town."
Councillor Louis Stark suggested a complete clean-up of the town centre gulleys using proper machinery as the first step towards a lasting solution. O’Driscoll echoed the sentiment, stating that the issue requires a comprehensive approach and the establishment of a working group to address it effectively. He also highlighted the availability of funding for businesses to install flood defences, which could provide immediate relief while a long-term solution is being developed.
More Than Just a Local Issue: A Broader Perspective
The flooding in Ross-on-Wye isn't an isolated incident. Across Herefordshire and other parts of the UK, heavy rainfall has resulted in widespread flooding, causing disruption to lives and businesses. The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for the region, highlighting the potential for difficult driving conditions, possible road closures, and localized flooding. The warning was in place for the weekend, covering Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Warwickshire, as well as parts of Wales and southern England.
This recent flooding event comes just two weeks after Shropshire experienced its heaviest downpours in 50 years, with a month's worth of rain falling in a matter of hours. The intense rainfall highlights the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events, raising concerns about the impact of climate change on infrastructure and preparedness.
The flooding in Ross-on-Wye serves as a reminder of the urgent need for proactive measures to manage flooding risks. It underscores the importance of investing in robust infrastructure, developing effective drainage systems, and implementing strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change. The experiences of the residents and businesses of Ross-on-Wye offer valuable insights into the challenges posed by recurring flooding and emphasize the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to address this critical issue.
Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead
While the flooding in Ross-on-Wye has caused significant disruption and frustration, it also presents an opportunity for learning and improvement. The town council's commitment to addressing the issue and the support provided by Herefordshire Council are positive steps. However, it is crucial to ensure that the solutions implemented are sustainable and address the underlying causes of the flooding.
The experience of Ross-on-Wye highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach to managing flooding risks, involving collaboration among local authorities, businesses, and residents. By learning from past experiences, investing in infrastructure, and embracing innovative solutions, communities can better prepare for and mitigate the impacts of flooding in the face of an increasingly unpredictable climate.
This article provides a snapshot of the situation in Ross-on-Wye, reflecting the concerns and frustrations of the community while acknowledging the ongoing efforts to address the problem. It remains to be seen how effectively the proposed measures will mitigate the impact of future flooding events, but the urgency and the commitment to finding a lasting solution are clear.
