
Storm / Flooding Update (PM 17/02)
Two flood warnings remain in Waverley: River Wey at Elstead and Eashing; River Wey at Godalming. River levels remain high and will continue to be monitored.
– Flood barriers will remain on Catteshall Road until at least Wednesday (but it will be when the EA are happy it’s safe to). So please continue to use the access from the other end of Catteshall Lane for that part of Godalming.
The barriers functioned as designed and I think without them the houses there would almost certainly have flooded.
– the allotments in that area have been under water and I’ll be seeking updates as to next steps there. Likewise borough staff will be looking to see if the existence of the barrier at Catteshall has in any way raised the flood risk further up (e.g. at the Almshouses).
I would like to take this opportunity to to thank the Town and parish council teams across the borough. WBC officers who have been managing this situation and working with the EA and SCC (it has been WBC officers keeping the councillors up to date). Lots of people dealing with fallen trees and other issues quickly and professionally too. Our WBC Comms team, resilience and sustainability managers have also been indispensable over the weekend and today (many working some silly hours in the process!)
Residents have been fantastic at getting us information about what is going on. I also want to thank the councillors I have been in contact with over the weekend, right across Waverley that have been on the phone and text to me, on social media and in general dealing with residents queries.
The Borough Council will conduct a lessons learnt excercise (standard practice). So please let me know if you have any feedback you would like to add. I have raised a few points myself (one being – why is it GBC provide sandbags when WBC does not).
Cllr Paul Follows
Deputy Leader, Waverley Borough Council
Godalming Central and Ockford Ward
Elmbridge Road in Cranleigh where Thakeham Homes fought tirelessly, with the help of Waverley planning officers, to build homes in the flood plains – and won against massive local opposition. Homes that cannot get insurance? Look at that massive moat in this video!
Watch right to the end of this (or scroll to 4min 25), as 3 cars almost collide, and cause a wave over the windscreen of the third car. Remember its hard enough to pass oncoming traffic without floods on Elmbridge Road. Idiots!

Dunsfold Road:
Broadbridge Heath Shalford: Which Guildford Borough Council intends to take out of the Green Belt – so it can build more homes.
Mill Lane Godalming (road goes toward station) Where developers want to build a Care Home – against local opposition including the Town Council.
Lower Weyburn Lane, Badshot Lea – where parking is for permit holders only!
Horsham Road, Ellens Green: Where developers are lining up to build more homes.
And finally in Catteshall, Godalming, after £5 Million flood defences installed and flood barriers erected today- nothing, nada!
*** Update*** Looks like Godalming’s flood defences have worked. They have saved the allotments!! Thanks Tim Trout for the Drone Photo

Whatever the weather – the dog must find a tree?