‘When it rains, it pours’ is a saying that many residents of The Chalfonts are accustomed to, following a month of excessive rain.
Reports of flooding on local roads, serious traffic disruption and even damage to properties has left many residents frustrated.
Chilterns Weather Alerts issued a warning to residents on Monday, September 23: “Please be careful out there this morning, guys. The rain is not moving anywhere anytime soon.”
Resident Elizabeth Green shared: “No wonder so quiet on the A421 this morning; can’t go on there in both directions. They [other drivers] are coming off at the Argos roundabout.
On Thursday, September 26, a public meeting was held to discuss flooding in Chalfont St Giles.
Attending the meeting were representatives from Chalfont St Giles Parish Council (CSGPC), Thames Water and the Environment Agency. Statements were read on behalf of Buckinghamshire Council and Sarah Green, MP for Chesham and Amersham.
The MP’s statement read: “She is very conscious of the understandable worries and frustrations of villagers in relation to the flooding and sewage.
“However, she was alarmed by the uncoordinated response to the flooding earlier this year by the responsible risk management authorities, namely Buckinghamshire Council as Lead Local Flood Authority, Buckinghamshire Highways, Thames Water, and the Environment Agency.”
Representatives from the Environment Agency explained at the meeting that they have carried out testing in the area, but the results could not be shared due to an ongoing investigation.
Thames Water have said they will continue to engage with the problem as a partner of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs’ Project Groundwater, which raises awareness of groundwater flood and risk adaptation.
Moving forward, a flood group has been formed which includes residents, councillors, Bucks Council, the Environment Agency, and Groundworks.
CSGPC has proposed to follow up the water sample results and consider independent sampling, advocate for infrastructure investment to upgrade the sewage system, and document a plan for what residents can expect in the coming months.
CSGPC later announced that the village’s High Street will be closed for six weeks from Thursday, October 10, while Thames Water install a new tanker point. This will help to mitigate flooding incidents.
If you wish to discuss the flooding, email councillor Robert Gill at robertgill@chalfontstgiles-pc.gov.uk
Photo: Chalfont St Giles Parish Council
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