Like many of you, I was shocked by the devastation that the floods caused across Fair Oak, Allington Lane, Botley and parts of Hedge End on Monday evening. I went out to assist those in need while also helping to co-ordinate support with Hampshire County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council, the Environment Agency and Southern Water.
Our immediate priority has been to help those residents and businesses who have been worst affected. This has included arranging alternative accommodation, putting in place emergency defences and pumping water away from locations that were flooded.
However, my main objective is to find a long-term solution to this problem which has been getting worse for many years and is sadly becoming more frequent. This will be a complex process though and with so many different organisations involved, collaboration will be essential if we are to achieve the outcomes that we all want to see.
I am continuing to engage with all parties as we develop this proper long-term solution, including Cllr Steve Broomfield, and will keep residents and businesses informed on progress.
