Isle of Wight flood victims in Binstead slam lack of action

Scroll down to watch an interview with council leader, Cllr Phil Jordan...

In the wake of Wednesday's flash floods, some villagers have had no choice but to move out of their homes and into temporary accommodation, again.

Residents have told the County Press they are angry and frustrated "nothing has been done" to put flood prevention measures in place, despite thousands of pounds being set aside for it.

Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, Cllr Phil Jordan, told the County Press that, alone, the £170,000 ring-fenced following floods in 2021, "would not have been enough to stop flooding generally in Binstead".

Before any work can start, he said the local authority has had to wait for additional money from the EA, which it now has.

For Ian Sanders and wife Karen, who live on the corner of Binstead Road and Cemetery Road, it is the second time in two years they have had to leave their home.

"Everything is soaked on the ground floor", Ian told the County Press.

"A lot has to be destroyed and we're having to claim on the insurance. We're in hotel accommodation at the moment and looking for a more permanent, six months to 12 months let.

"Last time we were out for eight months."

Ruined belongings left outside a house in Binstead. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Ian and Karen's house on the right. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Properties in Cemetery Road, Arnold Road and Binstead Road were among the worst affected in 2021 and it was a similar story this time around.

Following the flooding two years ago, the Isle of Wight Council and EA launched a Section 19 Investigation looking at ways of preventing it in the future.

In April 2022, £170,000 was set aside by the council to put measures in place. That money is still sat there today but to date, no work has taken place.

Abi Williams, who lives on Cemetery Road and also works at Binstead Post Office, said both her home and the shop were flooded last week.

"I've lost everything I bought new two years ago. We're having to live upstairs", she said.

Arnold Road, Binstead. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Chris Maher, who saw flood water swamp his garden but narrowly avoid his house, told the County Press: "I feel we have just been fobbed off.

"It is frustrating. It can be fixed but after the event everything is forgotten about."

As director of Maher Ross Residential Lettings, Chris has had to help rehome friends — something which he says has been "heart-breaking".

Council leader Cllr Phil Jordan told the County Press: "The £170,00 would not have delivered the scheme which is needed to prevent flooding generally in Binstead.

"We have to deliver the whole scheme. Waiting for the match funding and EA to agree to that has been what we have done for the past year or two."

Cllr Jordan said the EA has agreed to fund an extra £200,000, which means "we can now start preparing for that scheme".

But Chris said it is too late for some and the "lack of urgency" has seen residents resorting to putting their own flood defences in place.

The County Press' Oliver Dyer speaks to council leader, Cllr Phil Jordan:

Chris Maher outside Maher Ross. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Chris said this has led to water diverting to other properties and to fall-outs in the community.

He said it is "mentally stressful" and residents are losing sleep "because every time it rains, you're waking up."

Cllr Jordan told the CP the "EA needs to lead on this project." 

When contacted, the EA said to speak to the Isle of Wight Council, who are the lead local flood authority.

Cllr Jordan could not say when the project would begin but he hoped it would be "asap".