Residents of a cul-de-sac in Madeley, Staffordshire, are living in fear of rain as they grapple with persistent flooding that has plagued their neighborhood.
Homeowners in Mallard Close express their nightly prayers for dry weather, hoping to avoid further inundation from muddy floodwaters that have repeatedly flowed into their homes.
Ongoing Flooding Issues
The flooding has left behind unpleasant sludge and debris, creating a distressing situation for the community.
Pete Landon, an 84-year-old resident who has recently undergone knee and hip replacements, described the experience as “horrendous.”
He shared:
“We pray every night that it won’t rain and that we won’t wake up to find our garage flooded again.
Apart from the flooding, there’s a lot of sludge and debris scattered across the close, including on our driveways. It’s just absolutely dreadful.”
Local Government Response
In response to the ongoing crisis, Staffordshire County Council has stated that highway teams are urgently working on a long-term solution to address the flooding issues.
Kimberley Walley, vice-chair of Madeley Parish Council, revealed that they have been lobbying the county council for over five years regarding drainage problems on the nearby Bar Hill.
She attributed the flooding to drainage failures and noted that recent runoff from a field owned by HS2 has exacerbated the situation.
Despite numerous appeals for assistance, including support from Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, Walley expressed frustration that the county council has yet to implement either a short-term emergency plan or a comprehensive strategy to resolve the drainage challenges.
She remarked:
“Water has always accumulated here, but in the last two years, it has become completely impassable.”
Efforts for a Long-Term Solution
Mark Deaville, cabinet member for strategic highways at Staffordshire County Council, acknowledged residents’ concerns and assured them that investigative measures regarding the flooding have been undertaken.
He mentioned:
“We understand the concern of residents and want to reassure them that highways teams continue to work urgently on a long-term solution.”
This plan includes collaboration with Network Rail to redirect excess water to a nearby pond, which is expected to help mitigate future flooding.
HS2’s Role in the Situation
A representative from HS2 Ltd explained that the flooding issues stem from “long-term blocked drainage” beyond their control.
They emphasized their commitment to community responsibilities by installing drainage systems and constructing embankments near Red Lane.
Additionally, HS2 has provided sandbags to Madeley Parish Council for distribution and offered assistance to neighboring landowners in clearing drainage pipes.
A Community’s Struggle
As homeowners in Mallard Close continue to face the threat of flooding, their prayers for dry weather reflect a broader struggle against environmental challenges exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure.
With local authorities working towards solutions, residents remain hopeful for relief from this ongoing crisis and a return to normalcy in their community.
Source: BBC
