Concerning the feature (September 26, 2001) "Wise up to flood dangers"
it is comforting to learn that the Environment Agency is mindful of possible flooding dangers to thousands of householders and will be mailing them with suitable advice.
Yet this very same Environment Agency would appear to be seeking still more customers by encouraging further house building on flood plains.
Only 2 years ago, the Gravesham Borough Council, following expert advice from the Environment Agency, approved a planning application for house building development on the Westcourt Marshes, Thames flood plain, Chalk, Gravesend.
A year later Meridian TV broadcast an anti building news item featuring the marshes covered with water. Early this year the designated builder, Prowting Homes, did have the foresight to sell on its interest to Barratt Homes, unabashed by the publicity received last year when one of its new flood plain estates was
shown on Watchdog with water lapping around the houses.
Hopefully this dubious event may not be repeated so soon, but nevertheless it would be advisable for prospective householders on the Sandpipers estate, Chalk to check the small print on their insurance policies and contact the Environment Agency for advice.
Bob Johnson (Chalk Parish Residents Association)
Copperfield Close
Chalk
October 24, 2001 9:17
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