By Isle of Wight Observer
When Matt Price arrived at his family garage, on Pan Lane, on Saturday, August 30, his heart sank. The business, which has traded there for almost 50 years, was once again knee-deep in floodwater – the 14th time since 2013.
This time, he admits, he nearly gave up. “I genuinely thought I couldn’t face it again,” he said. “I questioned whether I could carry on.”
Matt believes the issue isn’t just worsening weather, but the drainage system for to the nearby Bluebell estate. Around 900 homes have been built on former farmland and, while the system initially coped, he says problems began after the last 200 homes went in. During the latest downpour, the attenuation ponds designed to retain floodwater remained empty — while water poured into his garage and threatened neighbouring homes.
It was the response from staff and the local community that gave him the strength to carry on. “They just rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in,” he said. “The support has been amazing.” One of the first to offer help was the area’s IW councillor, Geoff Brodie. Matt, a councillor himself, says that, despite being political opponents, the two have always worked well together. He values his support and considers him an excellent local councillor.
Matt understands the Bluebell estate has not yet been officially signed off and is calling for the drainage system to be properly investigated before it is. “It’s not really for me,” he said. “People have put everything into their homes here – and now they face the threat of flooding. I can’t even get insurance any more. When business is tough already, it’s the last thing you need.”
A spokesman for David Wilson Homes, which built the estate, said the company is unaware of any drainage system issues, which was approved by the IW Council.
But Matt remains unconvinced. “If the system can’t cope, that’s a design failure, but I believe it’s simply not working properly.” He’s been tackling flooding in Howard Close in his own ward – he knows only too well how it feels to watch the skies with dread.