Calne residents devastated by floods get support from MP and Councillors as Met Office warns of further rainfall

Calne residents have been impacted by bad weather in Wiltshire this week, with several experiencing flooding in their properties. Local Liberal Democrat MP, Sarah Gibson, joined councillors to meet with residents and provide support. This comes as the Met Office has declared a ‘yellow alert’ for Wiltshire meaning that Calne is due heavy rain again this evening, which will bring the potential for further flooding. 

After meeting with residents, Liberal Democrat Councillor – Robert MacNaughton – obtained confirmation from Wiltshire Council that a new delivery of sandbags is not due to arrive till 8 October. It has also been confirmed that residents who have been affected by the floods will be able to apply for discretionary grants and that Wiltshire Council will be contacting affected residents with further details on that soon. Mr MacNaughton has also raised the issue of drainage with Wiltshire Council to help improve the situation.

Sarah Gibson MP has also brought the matter to the attention of Government Ministers by tabling a written question in Parliament demanding that the Department for the Environment investigates the root causes of flooding in areas like Calne, which have not flooded for decades.

After speaking with residents, Liberal Democrat MP for Chippenham, Sarah Gibson, said:

“Having met with residents of Mill Street and Horsebrook in Calne, I am glad to see Wessex Water has responded and will come out to provide a deep clean of properties affected by sewage.

“There needs to be more investigation into the root causes of this recent flooding that has occurred in areas that, according to the residents, have not flooded for decades.

“I have tabled a Parliamentary question to the Governmental Department responsible and will continue to investigate with Ministers once Parliament returns in October. I ask that residents concerned continue to contact me so I can keep them updated on progress in this area.”

Cllr Robert McNaughton, who organised the visit to residents, added:

“Seeing what people have gone through first hand really drove home how desperately we need Wiltshire Council and Westminster to work together. With sandbags weeks away from delivery and more rain on its way, there are some key actions that can be taken to improve the situation. 

“Firstly: we need the drains in Calne unclogged as a matter of urgency to allow for more water to flow away from residential streets. Secondly, we need to ensure that discretionary grants do get to residents as soon as possible so they can begin to recuperate what they have lost. And thirdly, we need the Government to investigate why Calne has flooded twice in one year when it has not flooded in over 45 years! 

“But what is comforting is that our MP was able to come out to people and just show real willingness to help. One resident, Helen, broke into tears after Sarah visited because she realised that other people really do care. It goes to show that listening to people and taking the time to understand their experiences goes a long way. We need more of that in politics and it is great that we have that in our new MP.”