Council reacts after weekend's flooding in Matlock
Exceptional heavy rain caused issues on Saturday
Following Saturday's flooding in Matlock, Derbyshire Dales District Council have issued a statement from Councillor Steve Wain, who is also a flood warden in the town.
"While the current administration, which has been in place for 10 weeks, cannot be held responsible for previous council decisions, the issue of flooding in Matlock is being taken extremely seriously. We absolutely appreciate the trauma that such incidents cause to businesses, the community and our town. I can promise the District Council will continue to work with the appropriate agencies to try to mitigate this serious problem.
"It is important local people understand however that prime responsibility rests with Severn Trent for foul sewerage, the Environment Agency in respect of the River Derwent and Bentley Brook and Derbyshire County Council as the lead local flood authority with responsibility for surface water.
"For clarity, the issue over the weekend was the surface water infrastructure. The deluge overwhelmed the surface water system and accumulated in the town centre. It flooded properties and then drained away fairly quickly once it had stopped raining. So the current issue is mainly one for the County Council, with whom we continue to work in partnership, particularly through the Matlock and Upper Derwent Flood Partnership.
"With regard to concerns expressed locally about the possible impact of any future housing developments in the town, the Progressive Alliance administration has made it clear we will be taking a new approach to the ongoing Local Plan review, with the emphasis on protecting the environment, creating sustainable communities through energy efficient housing that meets the local need and is built in the right locations, making sure that proper infrastructure supports new and existing development."