Letters
Dear Editor
I refer to the August edition of the Town Councils ‘Syston Topic’, and ask that you kindly include this letter in your next edition for information only! I have sent a complaint directly to the Chairman of Syston Town Council.
With particular reference to the ‘brook walk’ in June of this year with EA, LCC, CBC, SCFG, editorial which was prepared for Syston Topic, printed and distributed by Syston Town Council, ‘quoting my name without my consent’ there was no prior knowledge of the intention to use ‘my name or views’, permission would NOT have been given had it been requested, as is my right I believe!
It is correct, I did indeed attend the walk along with members of the ‘Syston Community Flood Group’ – SCFG (the name of the group is also incorrect in the article)!
Although my home itself was not affected by January’s events, ‘I and others’ continue to be involved with the ‘authorities’ long after our town council disbanded the Flood Focus Group, because I care enough to try and make a difference, sharing information with, and on behalf of residents.
Evidence was presented to the town council regarding the ‘suds’ referred to back in February, feedback by the writer of the article was to take the evidence to the all agencies meeting which was to follow at a later date (town council were not responsible for suds) this was done and contact continues with those same authorities/agencies.
As for the extent of works to be done being common knowledge within the Syston Community Flood Group, our Town Council managed to exclude themselves from more in depth discussions by their own actions!
Mr Furniss
Syston
Dear Editor,
How lovely to see the uncut verges around Syston. Its amazing how many different types of grass there are!
Its nice to see the wild flowers given a chance, which gives the insects, birds and even small mammals a corridor to operate in.
At the same time, saving the council/tax payers the unnecessary expense of mowing it all down. A win-win situation. Well done Leicestershire County Council!
Yours sincerely
Mr G. Hall
Thurmaston
Dear Editor,
It is encouraging to see Cllr. Knight’s June response in Syston Topic, the Town Councils newsletter, on behalf of Syston Town Council to concerns raised in the May issue of the STN by residents. It is also encouraging to see an itemised list of responses to recent flooding that are ‘over and above’ their responsibilities. Although his letter was framed around some disgruntlement residents felt ‘no one’s listening’, it recognises action is needed.
Whilst there is some encouragement to be had, it also continues to frustrate.
The list of action points are predominantly ‘listening… contacting… publishing’ and ‘created a [group]… attended [a meeting]… arranged [a walk]’. Improvement to flood management in Syston needs to begin somewhere but there is a distinct lack of practical action here beyond sandbags and notices at ‘strategic points around the town’.
My home was flooded on the 2nd January as I am in close proximity to Barkby Brook. Half of my house is still uninhabitable. My home insurance premium (for those insurers willing to offer a policy) has tripled to over £900. I do not need a sign on the bridge on College Road making me aware that there could be a flood – over eight months later, my family and I are still living with the upsetting impact of a flood. Residents up and down College Road and other affected areas have been replacing and removing air bricks or fitting air brick covers at some cost. We are taking practical, physical steps that ‘involve expenditure’.
Syston Town Council are not the only agency involved and the Environment Agency, CBC and LCC have parts to play, beginning with better communication.
Perhaps the Syston Community Flood Group are in close communication with the EA because they have forged those links in their determination to see flood risks mitigated. But whilst the politics of these groups plays out, a shared fundamental concern remains as to how and when the maintenance of Syston’s waterways will be managed and the urgent need for clearance works to take place.
I would like to be more than encouraged: I want to feel reassured that the residents of Syston are afforded the best possible practical protection from flooding.
Simply put: less discussion, please, and more action.
A concerned resident.
Name and Address supplied