Here we go AGAIN
What a disappointing and heart wrenching start to the New Year, a deluge of rain causing more severe flooding.
Having breathed a sigh of relief on 18th December when the brook broke its bank but no homes were flooded, we were hopeful that the de-silting had given us breathing space to keep pushing for works to be done upstream to help slow down the flow of water into Syston. Alas, this hope was blown apart on Monday 6th January, one year and four days after the January 2024 flood.
What can you say to those residents and businesses who have again been flooded and to those who were flooded for the first time ever?
I still cannot find the words other than to offer a heartfelt ‘sorry’ and assure them that I and my fellow group members will continue to press the authorities for help and answers as to what works could and will be carried out to make Syston as resilient as possible against flooding.
We are aware that the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA)in our case Leicestershire County Council (LCC) and Charnwood Borough Council (CBC) are still looking into the drainage systems and flood alleviation measures near St Hilda’s Close to make sure they are functioning correctly.
We pointed out last year that two valves had been vandalised, these still need to be replaced.
The LLFA and Environment Agency (EA) are also revisiting the possibility of Natural Flood Management measures upstream. They all have a vast job on their hands given the extent of flooding in Leicestershire.
We’re under no illusions that any action will take time, that’s one thing we have learnt this past year, but giving up is not an option.
It seems likely that the community will need to raise funds to get some works off the ground and/or get together a volunteer workforce. Until we know what could be done we need to keep the brook as clear from rubbish and loose vegetation as possible, PLEASE report anything you see.
On a brighter note we need to give a BIG THANK YOU to the following:-
School of Law at Leicester University – students raised money for us to help with tackling the flooding.
Wickes – Provided equipment to help us clear vegetation and silt.
Stay safe – Stay Strong – Keep Smiling
Syston Community Flood Group
systonfloodgroup@googlemail.com