click - Parish of Greater Whitbourne

Flooding at the entrance to Whitbourne.On Friday July 6th, the entrance to Whitbourne at the Wheatsheaf Pub wasblocked by flood water. This regular flooding problem is caused by run-offfrom higher ground and from Stocking Lane which collects at the bottom ofthe hill just before Sapey Brook, blocking access to everything but large 4x4vehicles. In addition, when Sapey Brook fills it can overflow across the bridgecreating a dangerous current for people trying to wade through the flood. Thiswas not the case on Friday though.There are three issues that require attention.Firstly, that a proper high capacitydrain be created to take the wateraway from the problem area at the bottomof the hill into Sapey Brook. Secondly,that the capacity of Sapey Brookbe inspected and the stream clearedwhere necessary of debris and sediment.Thirdly, that the drains oppositethe Live & Let Live Public House (wherewater bubbles up through the tarmac)be inspected and repaired or their capacityincreased if necessary.Calling all keen photographersDo you take pictures? Do you have any that might besuitable as covers for this magazine?Flooding at the Whitbourne entranceIn addition there are very clear planning and housing issues. For example, theimpact of any further building within and near Whitbourne needs to take intoaccount the impact on the loss of "soak in" natural drainage pushing yet morewater to channels that the tarmac roads naturally become. Also, if any furtherbuilding work takes place within the watershed for this catchment, there needsto be a major increase in the capacity of the groundwater drainage system.I will also be asking my Councillors and their advisors to take this into considerationwhen preparing the Neighbourhood Plan for the Parish. Keith Butler(Although Keith is the Parish Clerk, he writes here in his capacity of an affectedresident. He will, however, report any views expressed to him to the ParishI’ve done quite a few of them recently, but I’d loveto see some different pictures on the cover. Soafter a couple more that I’ve got ready, I propose to havea break from it – or even retire. Mark Powell, the editor, or I would bevery happy to look at possibles, or offer tips. So now’s your chance – what doyou want to see on the cover? Paul Lack9 August 2012