After a lengthy bidding and selection process the Portobello Flood Action Group sponsored by the government-funded charity, The National Flood Forum, is now up and running. The communal gardens including our own A&E are well represented on its steering group. Under the auspices of the National Flood Forum, both Thames Water and the Council are required to provide senior executives to respond to issues raised.
We have been working steadily with the two main agencies which affect our flood resilience:
- RBKC which controls the surface drains and gullies and Planning policy
- Thames Water which controls the sewers and infrastructure beneath the ground
Our work with RBKC has seen new policies added to the 2024 Local Plan aimed at increasing porous surfaces and the requirement to create mitigating works in developments in flood risk areas. We are also contributing to the Borough’s online Flood resources pages which is a continuing project which will expand in 2025 to include practical examples of effective measures householders can take.
The most significant news is that after a lengthy bidding and selection process the Portobello Flood Action Group sponsored by government funded charity The National Flood Forum a is now up and running with the communal gardens including our own A&E well represented on its steering group. Under the auspices of the National Flood Forum, both Thames Water and the Council are required to provide senior executives to respond to issues raised. We are currently working on a Flood Action Plan which we will take to RBKC and Thames Water in the new year.
Key issue we will be addressing are:
- Improved communications, transparency and accountability from Thames Water to residents. What became of those surveys we all filled in? when do we hear about Phase 3 flood alleviations measures? What was the outcome of the Elgin Crescent sewer investigation. A high priority is to have a Portobello case worker who will respond to local issues as they arise and who is accessible and knowledgeable.
- Insurance: pooling contacts to see if we can find better and cheaper cover, apply pressure on FloodRe to cover buildings in muti occupancy which are currently excluded from the scheme, gaining an improved understanding of which devices and changes would reduce insurance premiums
- The RBKC Strengthening Portobello project: making sure flood resilience is the foremost priority. Insisting that RBKC cooperates with Thames Water to fund and provide a comprehensive survey of the drains and sewerage infrastructure to assess its current state, repairs needed and improvements.
- Commmunity flood relief: which devices and other measures are most suited to the area as a whole as well as to individual homes. Can we develop street defences and utilise the communal gardens more fully? Did the SUDs schemes in Arundel Garden work? Will the Portobello Court SUDs be implemented?
- Flood preparedness: how can the most vulnerable people be protected and assisted if there is another flood. What resources and emergency services and processes need to be in place. Lessons learnt from 2021
If there are any questions please get in touch with Fiona via info@arundelandelgingardens.org