Flood defence at cemetery comes too late for some homeowners

WEST Berkshire Council wanted to build a flood defence to protect Shaw Cemetery and nearby houses three years ago – but were unable to due to objections by some residents and issues with land ownership.
Following the floods in 2007, the council designed two flood defence options for Cromwell Road and Wellington Close. The first option was found to be very expensive and was not acceptable to the affected landowner in Wellington Close.
The second option, involving the construction of a bund in the field to the north of the cemetery, was submitted to the Environment Agency for funding.
The council was awarded that funding in 2011, but says it was unable to proceed with the works owing to the land being held in probate.
The cemetery was flooded again this year, with some residents in nearby properties having to evacuate their homes.
A spokeswoman for West Berkshire Council, Peta Stoddart-Crompton said: “The council developed a scheme to pipe water from Wellington Close to the River Lambourn to alleviate flooding.
“However, some residents objected to the scheme as they didn't want pipes in their gardens.
“A second scheme, to build a retention embankment which would pipe water at a controlled rate into the town’s surface water system was then proposed.
“Sadly, the owner of the land where the embankment was to be placed passed away and the the land was then in probate. An agreement has now been reached that will enable the Council to access the land in March to begin work.”
The cemetery was forced to close recently as high winds followed the floods and caused a tree to be knocked down.
Last year, the council received a letter from a land agent acting on behalf of the new owners confirming that they are happy for the works to go ahead and in September and the council said it was aiming to complete the scheme by April 2014.
However, one Cromwell Road resident, Peter Logan, has expressed his frustration at the delay. He said: “I understand there are delays but it’s incredibly frustrating. I’ve been lucky that no water has come into my home but other people haven’t been as fortunate.
“Sovereign and the Army have been brilliant, but I think more could have been done by the council. Maybe the council should be given more power, then this delay would not have happened.”
Newbury Town Council is responsible for the cemetery’s management.
It was recognised in the Cemetery of the Year Awards 2002 for its “excellence and innovation in cemetery management, design and customer service.”
Shaw Cemetery is not the only one in the district to fall victim to weather. St Michael's Church, in Tilehurst, was forced to cancel one burial due to the floods last week.