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Cadnam homeowner Dean Hyde calls for action from Hampshire County Council and Southern Water over flooding




A NEW Forest resident is calling for locals to support him as he launches a flood action group.

Following recent flood alerts for the area, Dean Hyde from Cadnam wants his neighbours’ backing as he demands Hampshire County Council inspect and overhaul the area’s drainage systems.

He also believes Southern Water needs to address the “continued poor reliability” of its nearby Pollards Moor Road pumping station, after his home was among several to experience surface flooding in November.

Surface water flooding in Dean Hyde's Cadnam home last November
Surface water flooding in Dean Hyde's Cadnam home last November

“The newly formed Cadnam Flood Action Group, of which I am the coordinator, represents the seriousness, extent, and the number of properties that have flooded along Romsey Road in Cadnam, and the associated area, in the last 14 months,” Mr Hyde told the A&T.

“Clearly there has been a change in the [drainage] infrastructure that needs to be assessed and remediated.

“While individuals have been working in isolation with the respective authorities to gain resolution, it is clearly evident the work is piecemeal, not coordinated, not verified, and slow, leading to three properties, including my own, being internally flooded - this is unacceptable.”

Flooding in Cadnam
Flooding in Cadnam

Mr Hyde believes there is a “strong link to the continued poor reliability” of the pumping station, which he says has been in “constant reactive maintenance” since November 2022.

Mr Hyde, who has lived in Cadnam for 14 years, said his property first flooded with about two inches of water on 27th November, while the Pollard Moor Road pumping station was “overloaded”.

“I believe the case for action is clear,” he continued. “I’m requesting a face to face meeting to discuss flooding with someone from a local authority who is going to own this, for example a project manager or an equivalent.

“I want a full survey of both the above ground and covered culverts along Romsey Road, with a detailed action plan with timings to inspect both sides of the road, and a jetting or some other mechanical means to remove any debris, and remedial repairs.”

Mr Hyde is also calling for private landowners who are “not completing” their riparian rights and responsibilities to prevent and mitigate flooding by managing drains and culverts to be “held accountable”.

Dean Hyde has launched a flood action group for Cadnam
Dean Hyde has launched a flood action group for Cadnam

Responding to Mr Hyde’s comments, a Hampshire County Council spokesperson said: “We have assessed the drainage concerns that were brought to our attention in the Romsey Road area of Cadnam, and our highways team has now carried out work to address issues relating to the highway surface water system.

“We are also contacting the owners of the properties who are responsible for drainage ditches and culverts along that road. Landowners and property owners play an important role in preventing flooding, by ensuring drainage around their property is free of obstructions.

“Other issues raised by the Cadnam Flood Action Group will require the input of other agencies, such as Southern Water, which manages the sewer infrastructure, and the Environment Agency, which is responsible for the river.”

The A&T has also approached Southern Water for a response.

For more information about the Cadnam Flood Action Group, email Dean at dean_hyde@btinternet.com



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