The comment from Sue yesterday on obtaining Grove specific information from the Environment Agency made me think about what other local information is available online.
I thought it would be useful to compile this information in one place, so I have added two new sections to the sidebar on this site. One is called Information (things like traffic news, local weather warnings) and the other is called What's On (theatre, cinema, youth activities, etc).
Please have a look and let me know of any other links that could usefully be added for the Grove & Wantage community.
I'm sure you've already thought of this, but it would be a good idea to have some of this info printed in the Grove newsletter each month, as many people won't have access to the internet.
ReplyDeleteThe Letcombe Brook seems to be getting higher, flooding looks almost inevitable (I say "almost" because I have to have some hope!!)
Have just listened to an update on Radio Oxford about sandbags, giving locations in Oxford, Wallingford, Henley etc, but no mention of Grove or Wantage (what a surprise)!! In fact, for West Oxfordshire there were no specific mentions at all, just that there "might" be sandbags in some towns.
Further to my comments about Radio Oxford, I emailed them my concerns. It was read out and replied to by a representative of the Vale Council (sorry, can't remember any names). He basically said that we can help by monitoring the Brook and informing the Council - which has set up a dedicated phone team purely to deal with all flood queries. He then went on to say that as far as he knew, we were not in imminent danger of flooding here in Grove.
ReplyDeleteA little later, one of my neighbours phoned in to Radio Oxford. She related how she had telephoned Grove Parish Council to see if they had any idea where she could get some sand bags from. Sorry, but they couldn't help. (This is outrageous! Why are we voting for these people when they are doing nothing for Grove. They did nothing in July, and they're doing nothing now - disgraceful)
My neighbour went on to say how she was told by the Parish to phone the District Council, which she did, at approx 2pm. She was told that someone would phone her back - no-one did (so much for a dedicated flood team to answer phone queries).
My neighbour then asked Bill Heine how she was supposed to get sandbags from Challow or Abingdon when she has no transport? A couple of builders helped her to move a bag of manure in front of her door, which will do little, if anything to stop any deluge.
As a last resort she telephoned the Environment Agency who, in her words, were very helpful. However, in contrast to the man from the Council who had said we weren't in any danger, the EA told my neighbour that we are at risk!!
My husband will be offering his help to our neighbour tomorrow - but we still haven't finished ensuring our own home is adequately protected (there's only so much sandbag filling a person can do before backache becomes overwhelming - and as the water came in both the front and back of our home, we have a large area to try and protect.)
Maybe this could come under Community Service for offenders - filling of sandbags for future use, and maybe even send some of them to help the elderly and infirm, because, it's an awful thing to admit to, but when the waters are rising, it's every man/woman/child for themselves. Personal preservation takes over any community spirit, which is why we need to ensure this community in Grove is protected BEFORE the next flood alert.
Before you blast me for being so selfish, let me qualify that last comment by saying that, once I have ensured my own family is safe, I would of course do whatever I could to help my neighbours. But by the same token, I want to ensure that my own home is adequately protected before I help my neighbours, because we're all in the same boat (excuse the pun), and it was only after WE bought our sand and sandbags, that our neighbours copied our example.....I wish they had made the first move, cos maybe then we could have got our sandbags for free!!!
Thanks for the Parish Newsletter suggestion - will mention it to the Editorial Board.
ReplyDeleteRegarding water levels, please see my latest post. My husband has already spoken to your neighbour. Can't comment on the Parish Council as I am not a member, but I would be interested in details of any problems encountered with the Vale and County Councils.
I know you're not part of the Parish Council. That's why I said what I did.
ReplyDeleteI might be outspoken, but I try not to be rude!!