The dreadful weather

At last I can see a let up to these awful winds and drenching rain. The flood warnings have just been lifted although I suspect we have a few days to endure as ground water continues to build following the last downpour. I am told that it can take weeks for the water table to reduce as rain that falls on Salisbury plain finds it's way to the coast. The CBC team was out all over Christmas working with other agencies as first responder and their work was exemplary. We gave very early warnings to land owners regarding their responsibility regarding ditches and although some calverts did cause problems owners responded really well. Where problems occurred on roads I was amazed at how unreasonable drivers were behaving in not reducing speed resulting in the bow wash adding to inundation problems and indeed ignoring road closures. So now for the wash up. ( pun) Our Councillor port folio holder for the environment is compiling a detail of all flooded areas from ward Councillors so that we can map and prepare for this sort of event if this is to be the norm. I will be briefed this week on what could have been done better although I have to say it is difficult to find fault with the action of the CBC team. I have also called for a major incident plan seminar as soon as possible so that ward Councillors can improve local communications in their wards. It is without doubt that this weather pattern was unprecedented but from what I am understanding it could become more common so we have to be better prepared. Notwithstanding flood prevention on property is the responsibility of the property owner, as I know only too well. Finally I intend to take issue with the location and quantity of assets and resources across the County which are used to clear drains as I do have concerns about response times. That said resources have been stretched to breaking point and my respect goes out to all those involved in keeping our community safe.