By Mal Butler
Flooding in and around the Morton Road area could be down to raised water levels at the nature reserve at Brading Marshes.
Local IW councillors, Joe Robertson and Ian Ward, and MP, Bob Seely, had an on-line meeting with two representatives from the Environment Agency last Monday to discuss the flooding in heavy rainfall.
Cllr Robertson said: “The Environment Agency acknowledged that it is possible that keeping the water levels in the marshes higher could be a contributing factor. My reflection is that the marshes are extensively managed and water-flows are human controlled. It seems likely that flooding on the Morton Road is a result of human decisions to keep water levels higher than would be the case if the sluice gates did not exist. Therefore, human decisions can solve the problem if there is the will. ”
Cllr Ward added: “The officials agreed to examine the situation, while we made it clear that this current situation is just not acceptable. They admitted that they had taken action to raise the water level on Brading Marshes, but explained they did it to comply with government directions. The officials said they would report their findings and possible remedial action back to us as soon as they could.”
An Environment Agency spokesman said: “The rainfall at the end of October and early November 2023 was significant. For example, at Ryde from midnight until 10am on October 25, we saw over 72mm of rainfall. This is almost equivalent to a month’s rainfall (average monthly rainfall is 81.5mm). This rainfall continued through December and into early 2024, which is why areas like Morton Common are experiencing this extensive flooding. And whilst the sluice gates are set to hold water to a minimum level, the main constraint to flood flows is that the Eastern Yar is tide locked, and effectively stops draining, at each high tide.
“There are several flood defence assets in place to mitigate against flood risk. As part of our incident response ahead of a forecasted flood event, the sluice gates at Bembridge are opened more fully to coincide with the falling tide, thereby allowing more water to drain.”
Last week, the IW Observer reported that local resident, Andrew Holman, has set up a new group to try to reopen Harbour Farm as a nature resort and tourist attraction. It is currently blocked off by the Environment Agency and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to encourage wildlife.
Mr Holman spoke at Bembridge Parish Council meeting, on Wednesday, where he explained his proposals, and was told the council would respond in writing in due course.
Cllr Robertson added: “On the matter of public access to parts of Harbour Farm, the Environment Agency said the old residential buildings would need to be pulled down. They have not considered the possibility of allowing public access in the future, and therefore remain open minded. They agreed to meet with me and Mr Holman on the issue.”
Mr Holman is organising a protest at the farm on Sunday, February 4, at 2pm.
Press Release