Latest Update from the Environment Agency (EA)

Dear Rolleston Parish Council,
Rolleston Brook October Update

Our Property Flood Resilience (PFR) consultants, RAB, will shortly begin initial suitability surveys for properties that have registered an interest in the scheme. The surveys will help us identify what resilience measures, if any, may be suitable for each property. The findings will also help us develop the business case for the next stage of the project.
We have received positive indications that funding may be available in the next financial year to progress the scheme. However, funding approval is not the final step. We will still need to complete the business case and the required assurance before any PFR measures can be delivered. Any future measures will also depend on the findings of the property surveys and the suitability of individual properties.

Alongside the PFR work, we are continuing to explore opportunities for natural flood management (NFM) and other nature-based approaches across the catchment. We have approached relevant partners, and wildlife trusts to understand whether there is an opportunity to work together on developing and delivering these measures. There
are a number of potential approaches and funding sources that we are exploring, and we will provide further updates as this work develops.

Our field operations team will shortly carry out a walkover of the watercourse to identify areas where vegetation management or other maintenance could improve conveyance ahead of winter. This will include a formal assessment of the silt deposition at Brookside Ford. We will consider the findings of the assessment alongside other evidence and determine whether any further action is needed.

As always, we appreciate residents and members of the community highlighting any issues or concerns with us, as this helps inform our ongoing work.

Kind regards,
Tom Ellis