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Attleborough floods affecting 130 homes spark calls for law change as residents forced to live in fear




People living in constant fear of flooding have said they feel helpless to protect themselves unless there are changes to the law.

They say confusion over who is responsible for maintaining sections of waterways is leading to a greater risk of major incidents happening.

It comes amid a rise in serious natural events – most recently in Attleborough, which led to more than 130 homes being flooded in October.

Homersfield, Suffolk, 06/01/2024The River Waveney which burst it’s bank along multiple parts of the Waveney Valley, pictured is the area around Homersfield BridgePicture: Mark Bullimore Photography 2024
Homersfield, Suffolk, 06/01/2024The River Waveney which burst it’s bank along multiple parts of the Waveney Valley, pictured is the area around Homersfield BridgePicture: Mark Bullimore Photography 2024

Among those calling for change are couple Lynn and Hans Shortt, who spent Christmas in temporary accommodation after their home was devastated in the deluge – the second time in just three years.

Mrs Shortt, 62, who lives in Mill Lane, said: “It is heartbreaking. We can’t live like this. You have to be on high alert all the time, which is very wearing.

“We have been fighting for something to change for years and it took all of these homes to get flooded before people began taking notice. The stress has been huge.”

Brockdish, Norfolk, 06/01/2024The River Waveney which burst it’s bank along multiple parts of the Waveney Valley, pictured is Syleham RoadPicture: Mark Bullimore Photography 2024
Brockdish, Norfolk, 06/01/2024The River Waveney which burst it’s bank along multiple parts of the Waveney Valley, pictured is Syleham RoadPicture: Mark Bullimore Photography 2024

The couple’s home sits next to a culvert covered by a rubbish screen, which frequently becomes blocked with debris.

Through the common law of riparian ownership, it has become their responsibility to maintain this section of the drain after Anglian Water relinquished its ownership of the watercourse.

But it means Mr Shortt, 70, has been taking risks to keep it clear, standing precariously upon the screen at all hours of the day, attempting to clear debris when river levels get high.

“We get told not to put ourselves in danger but no one else wants to take responsibility for it,” he said. “Some people don’t know it is their responsibility to maintain streams near their homes and don’t appreciate what is involved until it affects them.”

If a watercourse – such as a stream or culvert – runs through, beneath or adjacent to the boundary of land you own, it is presumed you have responsibility for maintaining it. This is based on a common law, known as riparian ownership.

People who live on, own or lease land next to a watercourse are riparian owners and are responsible for maintaining the free flow of water for those downstream. They may have to pay for any damages and could face legal action if there is a lack of maintenance.

For now, Norfolk County Council, the lead flood authority, has said it can use its powers to serve notice on landowners if waterways are not maintained. Blocked waterways can be reported by calling 0344 800 8013 or online via norfolk.gov.uk/flooding.



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