Monthly Archives: October 2013

TRADER UPDATE – October 2013

It is some time now since the last Trader update but up till now we have had little to report, although there have been very few days since last years flood that there has not been a conversation or email about Flooding in Braunton, We have been on the case!

FLOODING – PROGRESS!
1st The Parish Council set up a River sub group, consisting of the Council Clerk Tracey, myself and Simon Tattersall. We have been able to talk directly with the agencies involved.

2nd The Environment Agency has been carrying out additional work, the main purpose of which is to further reduce the risk of the river overtopping its banks by the Memorial Gardens – from where it flows down Chaloners Road and into Caen Street. These gardens have now been built up to the height of the sandbags that stopped the 2nd night of flooding. There have been other small additions and improvements along the banks.

3 rd As we all read in the Journal, Braunton has been allocated £50k. This is to carry out a complete flood risk assessment of the whole Braunton valley. The Flood Risk Manager at Devon County Council (which is the ‘lead flood authority’ for Devon) has contracted an external firm of water management experts to carry out a far reaching study to identify critical flood risk areas in and around Braunton and to recommend ways of mitigating / eliminating flood risk in the future. This work has already started but the final report is not expected before April 2014. We are told we will be part of this process for the local knowledge. Watch this space.

4th Highways have been exploring different ways of moving the water out of Caen Street in the event of flooding and have put forward suggestions that have not addressed the problem. Hopefully the above survey will offer answers.

FLOODING – PROTECTION
Braunton is a high priority so if you should notice ANY blocked drains or gulleys or areas of surface water please immediately phone NDDC 24 help line number 388240 – you WILL get a response.

If you notice that there are major obstructions or other problems in the river, please immediately phone the EA Hot line 0800 807060 to report it.

If you would like a telephone call from the Floodline of the Environment Agency warning of an impending flood for YOUR property, please phone 0845 988 1188. You can register up to FIVE telephone numbers.

OTHER
Many Traders have commented on the fact they have seen an increase in trade this season and put it down to the fact that many more vehicles can use the car park to visit the village now the barrier is down. The Parish will have seen this in the additional revenue at the ticket machines. Please email [email protected] to thank the Parish Council

If you need sandbags, please contact Ben on (w) 812295, (h) 816611, (mob) 07778 149 457.
We will keep you posted on progress.

Ben Byrom
Simon Tattersall