Residents hope ditch clearance will deter flooding

Debris in drains and ditches have been cleared with the help of residents in Attleborough to allow water to flow and prevent flooding

Residents have helped clear some 100 tonnes (about 157 stones) of debris from streams and ditches to avoid any repeat of flooding seen a year ago.

More than 130 homes in Attleborough and Besthorpe, Norfolk, flooded following torrential rain from Storm Babet last October.

One of the causes was blocked streams, ditches and culverts, which led to water swamping properties and businesses.

Despite the clearance, anxiety remains due to groundwater levels remaining high following a wet spring and summer, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The clear-up of local drains and culverts was organised by Norfolk Strategic Flood Alliance

The Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance (NSFA), a multi-agency group responsible for flooding in the county helped coordinate the town's clean-up operation.

Henry Cator, chairman of the NSFA, said: "I’m proud of all of our partners who have stepped up this summer to make sure the area is better prepared for any further flooding this year."

Local residents have been involved in the clear-up of local drains and culverts

The culvert clearance works have cost £35,000 and are part of a wider £100,000 upgrade of drainage works around Besthorpe Stream.

It included the installation of a new trash screen, to make it easier for people to access the stream and clear debris.

'Extraordinary rainfall'

Lynn Shortt and Hans Shortt, who live in Mill Lane, have seen their property flood four times and are one of several families who have only just returned to their water-damaged homes a year on.

They said they were pleased to see action had finally been taken, after years of complaining about the risk of blocked culverts near their home.

"We are delighted at the work that has been done and are in a much better position going into this winter," said Ms Shortt.

"But we will remain at risk if there is extraordinary rainfall.

"We have lived with this fear for many years and it is not something that will ever go away.

"Until we move to a new home up a hill, it will always stay with us. You cannot just switch it off."

James Bensly, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for environment, said: "This was a big job.

“But we know we’re likely to see more flooding this year and, as winters become warmer and wetter, into the future as well.”

George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk, said he still wanted to see more done to build up flood resilience.

He said: "The multi-agency approach is delivering progress, but there is still much more that needs to be done."

Scientists say many extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense as a result of climate change.

Lynn Shortt’s cottage was one of 130 properties flooded in Attleborough when a stream burst its banks