Flood-hit firms say plea for protection is ignored

Debenham was engulfed with flood water during Storm Babet

Business owners in parts of a county devastated by a storm two years ago said "nothing has been done" to protect them from future flooding.

On 20 October 2023, Debenham and Framlingham, in Suffolk, bore the brunt of Storm Babet during what was declared a major incident.

More than 750 homes and businesses were hit by a deluge of water from the River Deben, leading to calls for more protection - but locals told the BBC they are still being ignored.

The Environment Agency (EA) has been contacted for comment.

Framlingham postmaster Roger Tripp said "nothing had been done" to safeguard the town

"Unfortunately, nothing has been done and we've seen no work on the river whatsoever, which is hugely frustrating," said Framlingham postmaster Roger Tripp.

"It would be lovely to see the EA actually come and talk to us and say 'we will help' but you don't see neither hide nor hair of them."

While Mr Tripp's post office, which was flooded, was back up and running, he said there were still "lots of lessons that should be learnt".

"It was total devastation. We couldn't believe it, and it was just tragic to see all your hard work floating around," he added.

"And I can't get flood insurance anymore, so I hope and pray we don't ever get a deluge like this ever again."

Business owner Bill Bulstrode says there needs to be "more action"

Calls for the river to be dredged to help with water flow have intensified, and some businesses and shops have even left the town.

"I want to see Framlingham survive but if we have a deluge it could happen again," said Bill Bulstrode, who owns Bulstrode's, a general store.

"We need more action - the river is in the same position as it was two years ago today. It's appalling and nothing has been done.

"They seem to find money for other problems in the country and the world but we seem to have been forgotten."

Framlingham was also badly hit by the storm

Jade Martin, from Debenham Veterinary Practice, is frustrated by a lack of "joined-up" thinking

Jade Martin is co-owner of Debenham Veterinary Practice - still undergoing flood-damage repairs.

She was frustrated by what she described as the lack of collaborative thinking and working between council planning departments and the EA.

"There is no holistic, joined up approach here, and there is no overall great plan, and so it is very hard at the moment," she told the BBC.

"It's very frustrating for us to continue working in this way but we don't have any choice - we have taken every measure to make sure we are as resilient as we are.

"It would be lovely if someone would actually engage with us and come up with some thoughtful forward planning for us as a community as well as us as a business," she added.

East Suffolk Council has also been contacted for comment.