£1.1m plan to reduce flooding in Wallington goes on show

People living in Wallington, Fareham, were invited to yesterday’s consultation to see the Environment Agency’s preferred proposal to help with flooding problems.

As reported in The News, the area has been subject to tidal flooding and flooding from the River Wallington for several years.

The £1.1m scheme suggested by the Environment Agency will see walls raised, built and strengthened at key areas in the village.

It will also see temporary flood barriers put in place.

Wes Jones, flooding and coastal management team leader at the Environment Agency, said: ‘There were four options that we looked at to help reduce flooding in Wallington.

‘We’ve been working with the community for the last 18 months. At the exhibition we had our preferred option, which will help protect 63 homes and businesses.

‘The scheme will not be funded by the government so any plan we implement needs to be cost effective.’

For the plan it has proposed, the government will only pay for £480,000.

That leaves a shortfall of more than £600,000 that needs to be funded by other means.

Gordon Wilson, area flooding and coastal risk manager for the EA, added: ‘We will be working with the councils in the area and the community to see where this money could come from.

‘We want to work with people. This consultation is about getting feedback and not about our final plans.’

Ward councillor Katrina Trott went to the exhibition to see the plans. She said: ‘The consultation itself has been excellent.

‘But what’s being put forward isn’t necessarily the best option, it is the most cost-effective.’

Residents welcomed the proposal but did raise concerns about the money gap. Richard Gear said: ‘I think the ideas are good but I wonder where the money will come from.

‘If they can deliver this plan, people will be happy.’

Fellow resident Barbara Ford added: ‘The scheme seems very expensive and the gap in funding worries me.

‘But something must be done and this is a good plan to deal with flooding.’