Letters Page, July 2024

Dear Editor,
I must respond to the letter signed M&K (Residents) published in the May edition of Syston Town News.
We are disappointed to hear that some residents feel that “…no one’s listening anyway.” Since the recent flood events, Syston Town Council (STC), both councillors and staff, have respond to residents concerns in any way they can within (and sometimes above) the bounds of their responsibilities. Examples include:
* Listening to members of the public in open meetings and noting their concerns.
* Contacting and continuing to work with, the responsible bodies (EA, LCC and CBC) to get answers and to improve matters with the brook and other areas (balancing ponds; drains).
* Publishing numerous notices and statements on the matter as well as producing our own advice leaflet providing information on how residents can be prepared and how to contact the responsible bodies.
* Created a ‘Flood Focus Group’ comprising councillors and members of the public (the responsibilities of which have now passed officially to the Development & General Purposes committee of the council) to investigate on a continuing basis all matters affecting flood alleviation and assistance to residents.
* Attended the joint ‘drop-in’ meeting in March with EA, LCC and CBC.
* Put in place and arranged training and provided PPE for a number of volunteer Flood Wardens (more required – please contact STC).
* Offered help to residents who may not have access to internet facilities to complete flood claim forms by offering our own office services.
* Produced, paid for and affixed notices at strategic points around the town warning residents and visitors that flooding can occur in the vicinity and giving contact numbers in the event.
* Took part in a joint ‘Brook Walk’ in June with officers of the EA, LCC and CBC, and members of the public.
* Arranged for the donated 20 tonnes of sand to be delivered to council premises which is available to Syston residents free of charge (again contact STC should you require any). We have arranged for residents that are unable to fill and collect their own sandbags (ie vulnerable people), can have them delivered to their homes by the council.
I think anyone will see from the above that, even if ‘no one else’ is listening, Syston Town Council most certainly are and not only that, we are responding in any way we can, often involving expenditure, to do the best for the residents of Syston, all of which are in addition and over and above any legal duties and responsibilities (with regards to flooding matters) placed upon any parish or Town council.
Cllr P. Knight
Syston Town Council