We're leading multi-agency action against flooding
Tuesday, 16 July 2024
A flooding summit, called after heavy rains in 2024, outlined how Central Bedfordshire organisations will collaborate to reduce future flood impacts on homes, roads, and infrastructure.
Over the past 6 months, the region has experienced especially heavy rainfall, with saturated ground conditions and rapid run-off into rivers and ditches in areas including Leighton Buzzard, Blunham, Tempsford, Maulden, Clophill, and Caddington. During Storm Henk in January, 90 flood-related issues were reported to us, and an additional 28 issues were reported following a single storm in February.
Following a debate at Full Council, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Adam Zerny, convened the summit with partners involved in flood risk management across Central Bedfordshire, including the Internal Drainage Board, Highways Authority, Environment Agency, and water and utility companies. The summit focused on identifying existing strategic commitments and exploring new opportunities to improve local flood risk management.
As a result, we and our partners have committed to take the following actions:
- a detailed review of flood risk and mitigation options in Leighton Buzzard
- maintenance works will be carried out in Clophill, Maulden, and Caddington
- works on a culvert in Eaton Bray
- additional funding for natural flood management and surface water reduction
- strengthening emergency response through coordinated, timely and effective action, and continued support for community-based groups to help prepare for flooding
Councillor Zerny said:
Our area has encountered extensive and significant flooding this year, and it's likely this will be repeated in years to come. Such adverse weather has a huge effect on people's lives and that’s why I called a summit bringing together all the different organisations involved to ensure they work together and with our communities.
Already, this is leading to localised strategies to slow water flow through land management, natural flood management, and other engineered solutions. The Council has also responded with gulley cleaning, pipework jetting and ditch clearing.
It is also important we support our communities when flooding occurs. The response to Storm Henk demonstrated the effectiveness of co-ordinated action, ensuring residents have the proper means of contact, tools, and information to take appropriate action.
We’re seeking funding from the Environment Agency to provide community groups with more support to reduce disruption before, during, and after a flood. They are assisted by local Community Emergency Resilience Teams (CERTs), which are established through collaboration between the Council's emergency planning team, residents, and parish and town councils.
There are 32 of these already and we want to help set up and support more across Central Bedfordshire.
Read more about CERTs, including how to establish one in your local area.