Floods and sewage threaten to overwhelm homes and gardens in Newbury and beyond
RESIDENTS whose gardens are flooded with raw sewage say they feel abandoned.
Yesterday’s relentless heavy rainfall has overwhelmed the system, with foul water festering in streets and gardens.
Jo Berridge, of Newport Road in Newbury, said: “Our front garden was already flooded but now it’s the back as well.
“Unfortunately, it’s sewage, not just water.
“The sewers have been unable to cope ever since a new estate was built nearby.
“Sovereign housing said they would send sandbags but we’ve not seen any.”
Polly Haines, of Kiln Road, Newbury, said: “The River Lambourn burst its banks and we’ve been up all night, fearing it would flood our home.
“I’ve lived here for 22 years and never seen anything like it – I’m gobsmacked.
“My neighbours are in their 90s and feel abandoned.
“We asked West Berkshire Council for sandbags but they didn’t provide any.”
The council said in a statement: “Please note: the Council does not normally provide sandbags to individual properties.
“Property owners should therefore consider in advance what they can do to protect their own home and have a plan to put any physical protective barriers in place in good time.
“When considering what defences may be appropriate, the type of flooding (river, flash or groundwater) should be taken into account since one defence may not be suitable for all flood types.
“Sandbags may be used by home owners but they need to be obtained in advance, are heavy to use and need to be 'built' carefully to help reduce the water entering a property (which eventually it will).
“They will also hold contaminated water and are heavy to dispose of.
“For more information please see our sandbag policy.”
Other badly affected areas include Northcroft Park, Goldwell Park and the Lambourn Valley.
Early this morning all trains were cancelled at Newbury Railway Station.
West Berkshire Council has said in a statement: “Due to serve weather the roads listed below have been closed due to flooding.
“West Berkshire Council is unsure as to when the water levels will drop, it remains unclear when the roads will re-open.
- Burys Bank Road, Greenham
- Carbinswood Lane, Woolhampton
- Bucklebury Ford, Bucklebury
- Dean Copse Road, Burghfield
- Padworth Road, Burghfield
- Wantage Road, Lambourn
- Winterbourne Road, Winterbourne
“All enquiries please contact West Berkshire Council on 01635 519080.”
