On Friday 4th July, Matthews Hall is hosting a Flood Fair - an exhibition, followed by an expert panel Q&A including emergency services - to help residents plan for future events like the storms of early 2014.All of us who were in Topsham on the evening of Tuesday 4th February this year will remember the ferocious storm that battered the whole of the south west of England that night. In retrospect, the damage in Topsham was actually small compared to many other places, such as Dawlish or the Somerset levels, none-the-less the impact of the worst floods for a generation was felt throughout the community. The great majority of properties flooded suffered only minor inundation, but there are still a few who are ‘drying out’ rooms affected by flood water even now.
Whilst the worst flooding incident was on February 4th, there were other incidents of flooding along the River Exe frontage in the town both before and after that date. As part of the longer term response to these flood incidents, the Topsham Emergency Group, under the auspices of the Topsham Community Association, has organised a Flood Fair to take place in Matthews Hall on Friday 4th July.
The purpose of the Flood Fair is to give residents up to date information and to allow them to question the agencies involved in the aftermath of the floods. The event will consist of two elements, firstly an exhibition, displaying from 3 – 6 pm, with information on:
- Individual property protection – there will be information on various forms of flood defence, we are inviting a number of suppliers to demonstrate their wares.
- Community schemes – various agencies will be at hand to give information on plans for enhanced flood defences for both the Exe and Clyst rivers.
- Grants / finance available – to householders whose properties were flooded.
- Emergency response –the Topsham Emergency Group and its role in respect of the emergency and other responding services.
The event is being supported by Exeter City Council.
For more information, contact Richard Horne on 07527 221244
or e-mail topfloods@topsham.org.uk
