South Norfolk community leaders celebrate flood project success

South Norfolk community leaders are celebrating after the Government chose their project to find a sustainable and long term solution to surface flooding in two communities south of Norwich.

The South Norfolk project, which covers Poringland and Framingham Earl, is one of only two chosen in the eastern region - the other is in the Marston Vale area, west of Bedford.

The Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has backed it because of its pioneering approach to finding a realistic and long-term solution to surface-water flooding, which others might be inspired to copy.

It will also look at integrated approaches to tackling flooding because current responsibilities fall between many authorities, including the Environment Agency, local councils, internal drainage boards, highway authorities, water companies and private owners.

The 15 projects across England - including the South Norfolk project – have been announced today by Climate Change Minister Ian Pearson, on a visit to Great Yarmouth.

Norman Bambra is Chairman of Framingham Earl Parish Council was delighted. He said:

"We welcome this as a big step forward in finding a solution to the flooding problems which have made people's lives a misery for years.

"We have a water table which sits on top of an impermeable clay crust, so it doesn't take much rain before gardens and homes are flooded and drains are overwhelmed.

"This project means we can now study this problem closely and find ways to tackle it for the long term."

David Hewer, Chairman of Poringland Parish Council said:

"Poringland Parish council is delighted that Defra has recognised the drainage problems in the Poringland and Framingham Earl areas.

“Over many years the Clerks and Parish Councillors have been involved with a host of agencies, in dealing with flooding incidents and it is gratifying that the repeated reporting of these has borne fruit.

“We look forward to this study giving us much needed information on the detailed geology of the area, the causes of the flooding and a range of possible solutions to it."

South Norfolk District Councillor Dave Gudgeon who, with Councillor Jane Walker, represents both communities on South Norfolk Council, said:

"This could not have come at a more important moment for this community. Every time we get heavy rain, people live in fear of homes and gardens being flooded out. It's a real worry.

"I think the team of councillors, staff and leaders from our communities deserve congratulations for putting together an initiative which has won approval from the Government, and stood up to their robust scrutiny."

Jim Bagley, South Norfolk Council's Emergency Planning Manager said:

"This is great news for people in Poringland and Framingham Earl and gives us an opportunity to tackle the floods misery they have faced in a sustainable and effective way, while helping inspire others across the country to follow our example.

"The project will identify long-standing flooding and drainage issues look at sustainable drainage systems for new devlopment to help reduce the impact of climate change.

"The integrated approach will bring everyone involved together to manage flood risk and drainage issues through realistic long-term solutions." A full list of all 15 pilot projects can be found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environ/fcd/policy/strategy/ha2.htm>.

The 15 are pilot projects and are due to complete in April 2008.

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