Points made by Lewes people in their letters to the Chancellor
It is very moving to read what people wrote into the letters: clearly, the memory of the terrible flood five years ago is still alive, not only in the minds of people who were flooded, but of all those who had to stand by helplessly while their friends' homes, businesses, and in some cases their family relationships were damaged or destroyed. Here are some of the things the letter-writers want to tell the Chancellor of the Exchequer:
No one who has not been flooded can fully understand how devastating it is.
If government talk and promises built flood defences we would have more than adequate flood barriers. Suggest total nationwide ban on any building on flood plains, and gradual removal of the present developments.
It seems extraordinary that money can be found for so many things - yet not to protect homes and livelihoods.
I was badly flooded in 2000, at the age of 80 I could not endure it again.
Lewes, jewel in the crown of rural Sussex, must be protected from the ravages of flooding. I trust you will listen to the people and take appropriate action NOW.
Our town will not survive another flooding event - the shops will go, and the insurance premiums will drive the small retailers out. Our local economy will be devastated.
My property in Cliffe High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, has been seriously flooded twice in the last 50 years. My insurance increased by nearly 400%.
In Lewes, the present limited flood defences on the east bank exacerbate the problems of the west bank, where two schools and many businesses are situated.
The lack of governmental support for this essential work leads me to question my current status as a Labour voter.
It's our money - give it back!
The house at the above address was flooded two inches above ground floor level in 1960, and one foot above ground floor level in 2000. How deep next time?
Unless you have experienced your house being flooded, you have no idea how traumatic it is, both physically and mentally. I would not wish it on anyone, least of all myself for a second time, so please help Lewes.
The Lewes flood area in the low-lying Cliffe section of the town is the 'Hub' of everyday living. If it is flooded again, the necessary shops and business will not return. To allow this to happen to a county town of the distinction of Lewes would be a total disgrace. You are here to protect the citizens who pay their taxes.
Partial flood defences do not protect a town. In the case of Lewes the current (and planned) work will channel flood water into the areas of the town that were worst hit during the last serious incident. Full funding, investigation into reintroduction of flood plains, and input by the Environment Agency is essential. It is not enough to rely on private developers, who have interests in profit maximisation in order to address these issues.
Please save this wonderful old town of Lewes. It really is such a worthwhile cause.
Five years on and we still await fulfilment of pledges made in 2000. The cost of resolving the problem of flooding here would be a small fraction of that we have seen wasted on other government enterprises. It is little wonder that the antics of 'New Labour' have left many of us tired and apathetic.
The 2000 flood caused more than just property damage. It caused both mental and physical distress and pain, which to some individuals has not changed over the last 5 years. We feel let down by the government and Environment Agency.
If I were flooded again, I would probably be out of work.
I feel quite annoyed and very anxious that Nothing appears to have been done to alleviate the problem since the flooding of our homes in 2000, over 5 years ago. Therefore ANYTHING CONSTRUCTIVE would be appreciated.
Please consider the funding for the flood work. I was out of my home for a whole year due to the last flooding, and don't think that I can go through that trauma again.
Houses and shops in the Cliffe area of Lewes are unable to obtain mortgages and to obtain insurance cover.
The flooding in my street completely ruined the lives of the elderly people on fixed incomes who did not have adequate insurance, and shortened their lives by the disruption. However close we are to the next major flooding, we should live with some peace of mind and have some protection.
Given the pressure for more housing in the south-east it seems insane not to invest the comparatively modest amount needed to safeguard the existing housing stock in Lewes.
The effect on health, both mentally and physically, is ongoing. When rain is forecast, one elderly resident I know sits and waits with bags packed and outdoor clothing on to be taken to safety. What a life - and there are many such residents.
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