With the wettest January since records began, there is shock in Clanfield that the newly constructed water park at Green Lane is suffering full on drought conditions despite prophecies of doom. “Water Water, Everywhere, but not a drop in Clanfield” it seems.
The Green Lane Development was expected to exacerbate the flooding locally but so far the thin film of murky swamp water is not enough to float a toy boat on, let alone conceal Morrisons trolleys and abandoned bikes, the traditional underwater treasure of local ponds.
Photo – No danger of dangerously deep water despite the current weather.
Mr Noah of Flood Way has abandoned his religion and project boat in his back garden. I’ve been waiting to float my Ark for so long that I now have 132 rabbits. We should have had our apocalypse and been resettled by now! Mrs Noah is appealing for local animal rescue charities to help take away the growing numbers of unwanted bunnies and other animals which are breeding out of control.
Cllr Ken Moon, launching his County Council campaign, said “This is desperately unfair. (The lack of Pond Water) Make No Mistake, we WILL have our equal share of pond water, and if I am elected as your County Councillor it will be my highest priority”.
Mrs Trellis, an established resident, suggested that there was enough water go around equally if we all just share. We could install a small network of pipelines from the Old Clanfield pond and other nearby ponds to the Water Park.
District Councillor Newbury when consulted on the idea thought the proposals to run a network of pipes between the local ponds were “Bullish”, although this could have been a misprint in his emailed reply.
Photo – Could a network of below ground pipes put pond water in this pond?
Residents of Catherington said they would not be handing over any of their pond water to other communities. It’s our water, and we will be keeping it!
The Environment Agency were asked for a comment but said they were not going to be drawn into this matter. “We have had a months worth of complaints in the last 24 hours and don’t want to upset any more people” said a spokesman.
In the meantime it is hoped the ponds will one day contain some water. Probably in summer when the hose pipe bans kick in.
On a more serious note, the last few months have seen persistent rain and much local disruption. Thankfully in Horndean and Clanfield the disruption has been minimal, but it is important to acknowledge the exceptionally hard work of East Hampshire District Council, Hampshire County Council and a number of Flood Warden Groups who are working hard, and in many cases around the clock to monitor ground water, flooding and deploy pumps, sand bags and temporary toilets where required to protect properties and minimise disruption.
We must pay particular tribute to residents of Finchdean, Rowlands Castle and Hambledon who are currently bearing the brunt of the weather. The Councillors noted above, and County Councillor Marge Harvey, have also been working to help in the worst affected areas, and also using their devolved grants to help fund emergency facilities.
Posted by Cllr Sara Schillemore and Cllr Guy Shepherd.