In March 2007, the incomplete drainage scheme, known as the Washlands, was overcome
by “unpredictable weather conditions”. This resulted in sewerage rising in the streets
of the town, the collapse of a road surface and the evacuation of over 1,000 residents
from Billing caravan park who were “minutes from disaster”. It’s a sobering thought
that this unpredictable event could happen again at any time in the future, because
£Millions allocated to provide adequate drainage were ‘mislaid’. See our animated
description of the events that created the disaster that day:
In Depth Report - Nene Flood Prevention Alliance
At least twice a year, Mr Marshall, spokesperson for the Environment
Agency, makes the claim that Northampton “has the best flood protection in the Country”
and “is protected against a 1 in 200 year flood event”. And yet it will be obvious
to most residents that, every year, we have several unexpected floods. Each time
a flood happens, the Environment Agency claim it was caused by “unexpected heavy
rainfall” or an “exceptional event”. So how, we ask, do we benefit from having the
protection from a “1 in 200 year event?”
The claims made by the EA are based upon their computer model and tend to overlook the evidence of actual experience. From correspondence with the EA, we have discovered that the peak flow history of the River Nene dating back as far as 1947 was somehow not believed by the Agency. In 1981, the Agency commissioned a new theoretical calculation, which is still used today as the basis for their computer modelling Professor Steve Jones (University College London) states “Given the power of modern computers, are we not in danger of being too impressed with what emerges, without noticing what is assumed?” “Not much has changed, evolutionists, ecologists, economists, and even meteorologists - all make confident statements based on little more than guesswork and a computer terminal.”
The articles in this edition focus upon the dire effect that the Environment Agency - and their computers - are having upon the safety of the Northampton community today and for the future.
After the UK floods of 2007, which claimed 13 lives and devastated parts of the country, Sir Michael Pitt was asked to carry out a review of the country's flood defences.
His full report, contains 92 proposals he says must be implemented if communities are to be better protected. In particular, Pitt cites the responsibility of Local Authorities: “which must take a stronger overall lead on flooding in their area”. They should “draw up definitive electronic maps of all drainage ditches and streams, making clear who is responsible for maintaining them - these should be drawn up by local authorities.”
John Goodall and Cllr. David Hugheston-Roberts discovered an essential pumping station in St. James that is disabled by years of Council neglect.
Pitt Report Exposes Poor Drainage Maintenance in Town
Why Does Northampton Suffer Floods Every Year?
Threat to Billing Caravan Park
The “state of the art” Sustainable Urban Drainage System at Upton flooded recently; English Partnerships say it was “Normal”
Upton One Floods
Experts Agree - Flood Estimates are Too Low
We cannot fathom why the Environment Agency insist on using an extremely low flow
rate for the river Nene as a basis for their computer flood modelling. This seems
both absurd and dangerous when you consider that Northampton is so prone to floods
and that the river Nene has reminded us all in past times that it is capable of causing
disastrous floods and even taking the lives of unfortunate residents.
Members of the West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit should be warned that they cannot ignore the true flood figures if they plan to add 40,000 houses to the town.
The Environment Agency cling to impossibly low flow rates for their computer flood model - in spite of advice from eminent Hydrologists
