THE area’s MP recently visited residents affected by flooding following the heavy rains of Storm Bert. 

South Cotswolds MP Roz Savage visited people in Down Ampney, Cricklade and Dauntsey on Thursday, November 28.

Down Ampney

Cotswold District Council Cllr Lisa Spivey (Ampneys and Hampton ward), accompanied Ms Savage on her visit with residents of Down Ampney.

Over the last few years, any time there is any prolonged period of rainfall in Down Ampney, the area outside Little Court, to the War Memorial and along Back Lane completely floods.

This makes the stretch of road impassable and threatens several houses with internal flooding. 

Cllr Spivey said: “We find ourselves in a situation where no particular stakeholder will assume responsibility while regular flooding is threatening homes and causing huge amounts of stress.

“Residents simply want to live their lives without the fear that every time it rains that their homes may be flooded.” 

Roz Savage MP and Cllr Lisa Spivey at Down Ampney War Memorial  (Image: Submitted)

Cricklade

Over in Cricklade, Wiltshire Councillor, Nick Dye (Cricklade and Latton ward) met with Ms Savage together with several residents and members of Cricklade Town Council.

Several drains had been overwhelmed in the town. 

The group vowed to work together with Ms Savage to pressure Wiltshire Council to maintain the drains properly.

Roz Savage MP and Cllr Nick Dye (left) speaking with concerned residents in Cricklade  (Image: Submitted)

Flooded gateway to a field entrance in Cricklade  (Image: Submitted)

Dauntsey 

Meanwhile, flooding in Dauntsey continues to affect multiple homes, including Jacque Bailey’s, whose house has been flooded again for the second time in just over a year. 

Her home was last flooded in October and she has spent the last year campaigning and attending public meetings, where she feels that she has not been heard at all. 

Roz Savage MP speaking with resident Jacque Bailey in Dauntsey  (Image: Submitted)

“It’s absolutely heart-breaking"

Ms Savage said: “It’s absolutely heart-breaking to hear residents’ stories, to see the tears well up in their eyes as they describe how they had only just recovered from the last flood, only to be flooded again. 

“They live in fear every time it rains. The emotional toll is terrible.

“The public bodies responsible have to stop passing the buck and act to stop the flooding - it’s time for them to step up and sort this out as a matter of the greatest priority. 

“And most of all, they have to work with local people - there is invaluable knowledge in our communities and residents are incredibly frustrated at not being listened to.”