'We need reassurance that this will not happen again'

EASTWOOD RESIDENTS DESCRIBE DEVASTATING IMPACT OF STORM BABET WITH FLOODS MINISTER

- JOE LOCKER

THE victims of flooding in Eastwood have demanded answers and action from a Government minister who visited the area to assess prevention work.

A total of 76 properties were flooded in Eastwood in October 2023 during Storm Babet. The area most affected was the Coach Drive estate, next to Eastwood Town Cricket Club's ground.

Residents had to be evacuated from their homes when the Beauvale Brook burst its banks, and some homes were submerged in around five feet of water.

Rhoda Charlton and Carol Bridgeman, who live on the estate, were among several other residents who met the Minister for Water and Flooding, Emma Hardy, during a visit on Monday.

Their gardens and homes were flooded front to back in the space of a few hours.

"The force of the water was alarming," Ms Charlton said. "The water came down this lane like a river. The fire service would not go in it. They said it was too dangerous. In the initial stages we were very well supported with help and grants. Then everything went quiet. No matter how many emails we sent to the [county council], it felt like we were being fobbed off.