‘We can’t go back to business as usual’: Call to prevent more Trent Valley flooding

Gunthorpe was one of many communities along the River Trent which was flooded during Storm Henk

A call has been made for a more joined-up plan to prevent a repeat of devastating flooding caused by Storm Henk last month.

More than 100 properties along the River Trent between Newark and Nottingham were evacuated as waters rose to levels not seen for 20 years.

A major incident was declared due to the unprecedented scale of flooding.

Councillor Paul Taylor (Lab) will make a motion at next week’s Newark and Sherwood District full council meeting, calling for all responsible bodies to come together and better address the threat with a new plan.

This would include the district and county councils, central government, the Environment Agency, Severn Trent Water and other drainage authorities.

“We cannot go back to business as usual. We do not accept the level of pain and suffering so many of our residents across Newark and Sherwood have been through,” his motion says.

“Our thinking and future actions need to show an understanding that some degree of adaptation needs to be considered in relation to the impacts of climate change.

“We know that many people and businesses are still suffering from the impacts of the recent flooding, with their homes and lives devastated. for some, this is likely to be an ongoing issue for many months.”

Flooding seen from Dunham, further up the River Trent

He says a flood alleviation plan should “capitalise on the benefits of natural solutions, including restoring wetlands and floodplains, tree planting, creation of reed beds, and dedicated dredging.”

The motion would commit the council to creating a flood alleviation plan for the Trent Valley and then lobby the Government for resources to implement it as soon as possible.

Cllr Taylor’s motion will also pay tribute to the emergency responders and council staff who came to the aid of flooding victims.

There were also calls in the aftermath of the flooding for a review into why certain areas were badly affected.

Nottingham City Council said it would work with its partners to understand Wilford Lane was submerged in up to two feet of water.

The road was closed for four days, leaving some residents trapped.