Promise of village flood defence update

Eardisland, on the River Arrow, was most recently flooded in October

People living in a flood-hit village have been told they should get an update on flood defence proposals before Christmas.

In April 2023 the Environment Agency said Eardisland in Herefordshire would be one of 53 “repeatedly flooded communities” to share a £26m fund for flood protection measures.

Since then the village has flooded twice more, but nothing has been installed.

Parish councillor Rebecca Rhys-Evans said villagers had been expecting work to start in the summer.

At a recent meeting, attended by North Herefordshire MP Ellie Chowns and about 100 villagers, she said: "It’s a hot topic, affecting so many people.”

Ms Rhys-Evans said last month a flood had left the village cut off for 48 hours, with the fire brigade having to wade through the water to help one elderly resident, now living in a caravan.

After the meeting, the Green Party MP said villagers were “understandably very concerned" and that she would follow up on the points she raised and speak to the Environment Agency.

An EA spokesperson said: “We appreciate the devastating impacts that flooding like this has and want to reassure residents that we are working hard to progress the delivery of a scheme, which is affordable within the funding available.

“We are continuing to liaise with the parish council and MP and should have a further update for the community before Christmas.”

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.