Binstead's flood protection has taken a major step forward, after funding for rain gardens and underground water tanks was included in the Isle of Wight Council's budget for 2022/23.

Councillor for Fishbourne and Binstead, Ian Dore, has been calling for the measures since severe flooding in July.

He said particular areas had been badly affected: "Sandpath, Arnold Road, Greeway and the Mall...where the water was like a tsunami.

"On the night in July, the tide was very, very high."

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Cllr Dore said work to protect residents was long overdue and he praised the efforts of former councillor Ivor Wharlow, who had previously tried to ensure the work would take place, only for it to be shelved.

Cllr Dore said: "We've had two S19 flood reports, you should only get one. We've got a third coming up. It's the same things that are in the report. We knew what was coming. Tonight was all about getting funding ringfenced for the specific priorities to protect lives and houses.

"Island Roads and Southern Water also have a part to play [but] the crucial thing is the two really big important things that should have happened years ago? We've got them in the bag.

"The great thing is it's not taking from anything else and no core services suffer."

Money for the scheme will come from the transport capital budget.

What happend when Binstead flooded in summer 2021?

Last July (2021), homes and businesses were wrecked by flooding.

More than 20 houses were deluged by water, businesses were left to count the cost and six families had to be temporarily rehoused.

Some are yet to return to their homes.

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What did Binstead residents say about the flooding?

Resident Abi Williams said: “Our house and garden like many others, was totally trashed with human excrement floating around and possessions destroyed. We live in constant fear of when it will happen again."

Lucy Edwards from The Fleming Arms pub said: “Our business was totally destroyed due to the flooding in July and further damaged caused later in August. We had to close for a month suffering a loss of £27,000."

Chris Maher, of Binstead based business, Maher Ross, said: "The human costs of the flooding should not be overlooked.

"Many Binstead residents lost their personal possessions and were forced to move out of their own homes for months.

"Some of our residents now suffer from adverse health because of the persistent damp, stress and the inevitable financial loss."

Now, work for water tanks to store excess floodwater and rain gardens, which channel water under the soil and use it to grow plants, will be among the measures taken to protect Binstead.