Further update on Flooding

I appreciate what an incredibly stressful week it has been following the heavy rainfall and risk of flooding. Thankfully, the water levels did not reach the same heights as last October and most properties remained unscathed. However, I do know that some businesses and cellars were flooded, and some gardens, and this is another warning that action is needed to protect Chesterfield.

Derbyshire County Council have now published the draft statutory report following last year’s floods. You can read the full report at:
https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/council/have-your-say/consultation-search/consultation-details/section-19-flooding-investigation-consultation.aspx

There is also a consultation questionnaire to fill in with your views on the report and the floods last year.

There is a lot of information, with a 69-page section on the how the incident unfolded here in Chesterfield. They have also provided details of events and actions taken since the flooding, and a report on what is needed to reduce the likelihood of flooding. I have taken out the specific details for Chesterfield:

Post-Event Responses

Poolsbrook

Derbyshire County Council requested that maintenance was undertaken by the riparian landowner of an unnamed ditch, labelled within this report as ‘Ditch 1’, which passes through Erin Court, to better accommodate floodwater capacity. Derbyshire County Council also requested that maintenance was undertaken by the riparian landowner of an unnamed ditch, labelled within this report as ‘Ditch 2’, which passes to the south of Poolsbrook, to better enhance flow and mitigate against blockages which may result in overland flow.

Derbyshire County Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, the Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water have been involved in investigations surrounding the drainage arrangements of the land to the south of the southern ordinary watercourse (south of Erin Court). This is to determine if drainage arrangements at this site contributed to the outflowing of floodwater into Erin Court and down Staveley Road. Investigations are ongoing.

Yorkshire Water is investigating the Poolsbrook drainage issues which may be associated with a pumping station defect.

Chatsworth Road West

On the 13th of November 2023, the Environment Agency conducted inspections of 18 flood risk assets located in the vicinity of this community. This included engineered high ground, three outfalls and one simple culvert. A retaining wall for an area of high ground had collapsed into the channel, which has been reported to the riparian landowner for them to repair.

Sections of high ground showed signs of either movement or erosion of the retaining wall, which the Environmental Agency will monitor. The remaining five lengths of high ground were found to have no issues. One of the inspected outfalls was found to have an outfall flap missing which has been reported to the third party for remediation, whilst the other two outfalls and the simple culvert were found to have no issues.

The Derbyshire County Council Flood Team undertook a meeting to investigate the mechanisms and extent of flooding on Chapel Lane West on the 14th of February 2024, which involved a site inspection and discussions with affected residents and businesses.

Brampton

The Environment Agency was involved in post-event channel clearance to ensure flows are not unduly restricted. Following a report of about 60% of the River Hipper being blocked at the culvert immediately north of Dock Walk on the 24th of October 2023, the Environment Agency cleared the debris. The Environment Agency conducted inspections of thirty-four flood risk assets located in the vicinity of this community on the 13th of November 2023.

This included sections of engineered high ground, four simple culverts, one security screen and one outfall. Issues were identified at eleven of the twenty-eight lengths of 4 natural high ground. This included missing coping stones, wall cracks, vegetation-related issues and missing brickwork.

Defect reports were completed for six of these, and the other five were noted for further monitoring. The remaining lengths of natural high ground were found to have no issues.

Chesterfield South

The Avenue Flood Storage Reservoir was patrolled by the Environment Agency with no issues identified although screens were heavily blinded.

Central Chesterfield

The Environment Agency conducted inspections along the River Hipper on the 13th of November 2023. Undermined banks were identified at Ravenside Retail Park, as well as a missing flap valve from an outfall and sections of walls in poor condition.

The Environment Agency sent letters to the riparian owners of these assets notifying them to make the necessary repairs and maintain the assets. No issues were identified at any other inspected assets, including those in the vicinity of Clayton Street.

Ongoing and Potential Future Actions Across Derbyshire

Central Chesterfield and Tapton Terrace

Derbyshire County Council, in partnership with the Environment Agency, is looking to identify potential sites for flood storage within the Spital Brook Catchment to slow its flow into the River Rother.

Brampton, Central Chesterfield, Tapton Terrace

Derbyshire County Council is looking to identify potential sites for flood storage within the Holme Brook Catchment, including at Linacre Reservoir, to slow the flow of Holme Brook. Tapton Terrace Derbyshire County Council are exploring the feasibility of removing the bridge at Crow Lane near Tapton terrace. The Environment Agency is investigating whether an updated dredging assessment is required on the Rother near Tapton Terrace.

Chesterfield South

Derbyshire County Council are looking to identify the ownership of bridge at River View Cottages. Works to be progressed by the Environment Agency at this community include the introduction of an upstream flood wall with a return to it to stop water passage past it.

Central Chesterfield

Yorkshire Water is investigating the feasibility of a storage measure at Horns Bridge to be introduced during the next asset maintenance programme period.

Holymoorside, Chatsworth Rd West, Brampton, Central Chesterfield, Tapton Terrace

The Environment Agency is exploring options to be able to progress a scheme to deliver upstream flood storage on the River Hipper, which would also reduce flood risk to downstream communities in Chesterfield.

Station Road

The Environment Agency is investigating the performance of the raised flood defences in this area to assess options, and the feasibility, to reduce flood risk further through alterations to the existing flood defences.

Poolsbrook

Derbyshire County Council are planning to investigate flood mechanisms in more detail and consider any potential solutions.

———————————————————–

The report is clear that the actions listed are recommendations only, and “their delivery is likely to depend on the RMAs likelihood of securing funding through the DEFRA Flood Defence Grant in Aid (FDGiA) funding programme, and other sources of funding. Funding will be dependent on the cost benefit of potential solutions and is prioritised on a national basis”.

The recent bad weather, coming almost a year after the terrible floods caused by Storm Babet, is an urgent reminder of the risk to Chesterfield. I know the worry and frustration that residents and business owners are feeling and what we need is certainty over exactly what steps will be taken.

You can also read my last update following a meeting with the Environment Agency in September at https://www.tobyperkins.org.uk/2024/09/20/update-on-action-to-tackle-flooding/

I have also attached a copy of a list of actions below from a recent meeting Cllr Anne Hayes arranged at Poolsbrook Primary with residents from the village, Gleeson Homes, DCC and CBC. I also want to say a massive than you for Anne for everything she is doing for Poolsbrook residents – she was even out on Monday night helping bail out gardens and move property to safety.

I will be speaking to the Environment Agency and Defra regarding the recommendations from the report and the funding needed. I will also be taking up individual cases and concerns with the EA and DCC that have been raised with me. Thank you to everyone who has sent me emails and photos.

I have also written again to Emma Hardy, Minister for Floods, to invite her to Chesterfield to discuss the actions and investment needed to reduce the risk in future.

I will continue to keep people updated.