Residents in the Newark area of Nottinghamshire and the Edwards family in Duck End, Finchingfield, Essex are facing ongoing flooding issues. The River Trent in Newark reached a high of 2.65 meters, close to the record level seen in November 2000, causing villages to be cut off and residents to demand action. In Essex, the Edwards family has been battling flooding caused by blocked drains since September last year, with no resolution in sight despite pleas to Essex Highways. The community is rallying around the family, calling for immediate action. These incidents highlight the urgent need for investment in flood protection and infrastructure resilience.
Construction has begun on a major flood scheme in Lowdham, Nottinghamshire, aimed at protecting homes and businesses from flooding. The £26 million project involves the creation of a flood storage reservoir that will hold up to 100,000 cubic meters of water during floods, preventing the village from being inundated. Lowdham has a history of frequent floods, which have caused damage and distress to residents. The scheme is expected to be completed in spring 2026 and will provide nearly £50 million worth of benefits to the village and local economy. The construction process includes cutting into the Cocker Beck embankment and using compacted soil and low-carbon concrete to create the reservoir. The site will also be landscaped with the planting of trees, while non-native plant species will be removed. Local MPs, councillors, and the flood action group have expressed their support for the project, which is part of a larger investment of £5.2 billion between 2021-27 to create flood and coastal risk management schemes across England.
The Edwards family in Duck End, Finchingfield, Essex has been battling flooding caused by blocked drains since September last year. Despite their pleas to Essex Highways, the issue remains unresolved, causing distress and potential damage to their property. The blocked drains have flooded the road and threatened the structural integrity of their historic family home. Essex Highways has acknowledged the issue but has not provided a swift resolution, citing exceptional rainfall and flooding as contributing factors to the drainage delays. Community members have rallied around the Edwards family, calling for immediate action. The community's resolve remains strong, but the path to a permanent solution hinges on the actions of Essex Highways and local governance.
Pontins Brean Sands, a seaside resort in Somerset, has been 'decimated' by a deal with EDF Energy to house workers in chalets. The resort, which had been a popular holiday destination, has seen a significant decline in bookings and revenue since the deal was made. Local residents and business owners have expressed concerns about the impact on the local economy. The deal with EDF Energy was made to accommodate workers involved in the construction of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. The resort has faced criticism for prioritizing the deal with EDF over its regular customers. The decline in bookings has led to job losses and financial difficulties for the resort. The situation has sparked a debate about the balance between supporting local businesses and meeting the needs of major infrastructure projects. The resort is now seeking financial support from the government to help recover from the impact of the deal.
Marygate House, a retreat on Holy Island, urgently needs £30,000 for repairs. The building's render has been damaged by North Sea storms, causing damp in all the bedrooms. The trust plans to make the building more environmentally sustainable and accessible for disabled visitors. Marygate House is the only specifically Christian place for people to stay on the island and has a long history as a place of pilgrimage. The trust is seeking donations to fund the repairs. [1b213bbb]
Fiona Whitty found peace and quiet at Landal Rockingham Forest, a holiday resort in Northamptonshire, UK. The resort is situated in a 200sq m ancient forest that was once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror. It has been awarded the ROSE Award by VisitEngland and is located on the site of the old RAF Kings Cliffe air base. The resort offers luxury lodges with amenities like a wine fridge, dishwasher, central heating, and a hot tub. Fiona and her family enjoyed activities such as axe throwing, glow-in-the-dark golf, and dining at a modern Indian restaurant. They also visited Peterborough, where they explored the 900-year-old cathedral and a modern leisure complex called Angle Entertainment. They ended their trip with a visit to Trapp'd, a rage room in Wellingborough. A three-night stay at Landal Rockingham Forest in a luxury lodge costs from £469. [1dc14bc3]