Elderly 'struggling to sleep' over fear of floods

The view from Graeme Jones' Hadleigh home after the River Brett overflowed and caused flooding

Residents who said people were “struggling to sleep” over flooding fears have called for a river’s sluice gates to remain open all year – even if that thwarts a famous event.

The River Brett, in Hadleigh, overflowed last October after the town was hit by Storm Babet, causing homes, paths and driveways to flood.

The river’s water levels are controlled by the opening and closing of the sluice gates, operated by the Environment Agency.

But nearby homeowners are now calling on the gates to be left permanently open to reduce the risk of flooding, meaning The Great Hadleigh Duck and Raft Race would have to be moved.

The race, organised by the Hadleigh Sea Scouts, takes place on the river in June every year and requires the water to be at a certain level in order to go ahead.

Graeme Jones, 58, of Tinkers Lane, said: “After Storm Babet we had properties, gardens and pub buildings in several roads flooded.

“I have spoken to elderly neighbours who are struggling to sleep at night when they can hear rain – they should not be worried about their houses being flooded.

“My desire would be for the gates to be left open permanently. The duck race would suffer, and I do sympathise. But to me it seems daft closing the gates for an event."

Homeowner Graeme Jones wants to see the River Brett sluice gates open all year round

But Keith Marsland, chairman of the Hadleigh Sea Scouts, said Mr Jones’ outlook on the situation was not shared by everybody in the town.

He said: “During the time the gates were open, the river level dropped drastically and was subject of much comment, with the vast majority seemingly appalled.

“With regard to the sluice gates, the Duck and Raft Race takes place in June each year and so the risk of flooding with the sluice gates closed is avoided.”

Tony Mills blamed the Environment Agency for Hadleigh's flood issues

Riverside resident Tony Mills, 56, meanwhile, blamed the Environment Agency, which operates but does not own the gates.

He said: “It got to the point where my garages ended up getting flooded five times.

“Whether they take it upon themselves to open the gates or not seems to be a flick of a coin really.”

The Environment Agency said it intended to leave the gates open for longer this winter to mitigate the risk of further flooding.

A spokesman added: “Having a lower retained water level is the preferred option but we are sensitive to the views and concerns of others.

“Before any long-term decision to leave the gates open and allow the River Brett to re-naturalise is made, a consultation with the local community would take place.”