Issue - meetings

To receive an update on Flooding Management in the District.

By means of a presentation by the Corporate Director (Place) and Cambridgeshire County Council’s Flood Manager (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), an update on Flooding Management was presented to the Panel.

Following an observation by Councillor Bywater, the Panel were assured that an updated Watercourse Policy had recently been introduced which allowed the County Council more rights when dealing with landowners.

The Panel were also advised, in response to a question from Councillor Lowe, that the Council could arrange street cleansing to be conducted following any culvert work to ensure that highways remain clear.

Following a question from Councillor Hunt, it was advised that dialogue was ongoing with local communities and Parish Councils to ensure that they were best prepared in the event of a flood.

In response to an observation from Councillor Lowe regarding the involvement of Drainage Boards in maintaining ditches and waterways, the Panel heard that a community newsletter was being introduced which would spotlight on organisations to better inform local residents of work being undertaken.

Further to an enquiry from Councillor Alban, regarding older estates where residents may have over time covered waterways, the Panel were advised to flag with the team if they became aware of any such scenarios to enable discourse in order to rectify.