Flooding Press Statement
STONY STRATFORD TOWN COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT
Flooding in Stony Stratford
Following the devastating flooding, just before Christmas, that affected houses in High Street, Prospect Road, Mill Lane, Temperance Terrace, Victoria Road and Willey Court plus the underpasses in Fullers Slade, Stony Stratford Town Council (SSTC) has been in contact with both Milton Keynes Council (MKC) and the Environment Agency to find out how lessons will be learned. SSTC also recognises that this is the third flooding incident in the town since 1985.
We understand that the flooding was mainly due to a deluge of rain falling on already saturated ground.
Milton Keynes Council (MKC) have confirmed that there was no prior warning from the Environment Agency. MKC endeavoured to do as much as they could to help those affected. SSTC Councillors and staff also gave practical help by contacting MKC for vulnerable residents and opening the toilets in the Library for those who needed them.
MKC have a legal duty under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to investigate the event and are commissioning this investigation.
We have been in dialogue with the EA and MKC to understand the cause and lessons that can be learned from this almost unprecedented event. The Environment Agency will also be conducting an investigation. The investigations will include homes impacted, sewers (responsibility of Anglian Water), drainage systems etc. It is unlikely the full reports will be available until the Spring.
MKC have informed that they will continue to work with SSTC and the EA to arrange a follow up public event for affected residents of SSTC to share lessons learnt and what actions will taken.
In the meantime, SSTC has requested a full list of emergency contact numbers from MKC and will be working with MKC to help ensure that the community is equipped in the future.
There will be a report presented to the next Full Council meeting on Tuesday 19th January 2021.
Thank you once again to all those who helped with this community effort.