Flood resilience gates and doors

Please see message from Cllr Bill Dagworthy –

To all who have contacted me or other councillors regarding flood resilience gates and doors.

On Friday 16th April Jonathan, of Watertight, phoned me regarding a visit he was making to Stokeinteignhead with the Teignbridge District Council Conservation Officer on Monday 19th April. I pointed out I thought it was important I joined them and this was agreed.

The three of us spent some four and a half hours on Monday afternoon going to each of the listed properties that were scheduled to have flood resilience gates or doors installed. I pointed out we should try and contact each of the residents concerned as we went round, happily this was thought a good idea and agreed. Again happily, nearly all the residents were in and able to discuss with the Conservation Officer and Jonathan what was proposed and what they would like.

The Conservation Officer understood the problems – the concerns of residents and the need to protect the properties – and everyone we contacted was reassured and happy with what was proposed.

Bob Clowse was reassured with the works proposed for his property but, additionally, two neighbouring properties that he has been unofficially negotiating for, on behalf of the owners, which was a big help – thank you Bob.

Although we are all still awaiting drawings, information etc on what they wish to install, I did feel the meeting was a major step forward which, hopefully, has removed any obstacles in moving forward, although things will not happen overnight.

I believe you are all aware that each property is being treated individually, with a bespoke solution that involves site surveys, the necessary drawings, and construction of the gates and doors. I was surprised at the extent of the works that are proposed for some properties. Besides the installation of resilience doors or gates, some properties will have additional building works to make those gates and doors effective, from altering the discharge of the gutter downpipes, so as to discharge outside the property boundary, to removing railings and replacing them with walls. I was assured, and the Conservation Officer insisted, that the work would be in local stone.

Without doubt this meeting should have been held earlier as I know all who were contacted felt reassured with what was proposed but, understandably, are still uneasy due to the lack of communication in the past. I was given a number of reasons for this but all concerned asked me to extend their apologies and I was promised better communication with all in future. If all goes to plan, works will start soon with the most vulnerable properties and we should see a conclusion to this matter before autumn.

Regards

Bill Dagworthy.