Councillor calls for residents to speak out about flooding.

10.56.22am GMT Sun 18th Jan 2009

What parts of Bournemouth flood when it rains heavily?

Lib Dem Councillor Roger West is asking residents to pass on information about areas of Bournemouth that flood in heavy rain.

Councillor West has been campaigning on the issue, known technically as 'pluvial flooding' for a number of years, and made a report to a recent meeting at Bournemouth Council that looked at the issue.

The Environment Agency, fire brigade, and water companies also contributed, as did local residents.

"I was disappointed about the contribution from Bournemouth's businesses," says Roger West.

"Flooded shops and offices disrupt business, and even if insured, are expensive in terms of staff time spent sorting the problem out. In the extreme, if a business loses key records, computers etc., it may never recover from it, particularly in difficult economic times."

"Public Services are also affected: the Civic Society drew attention to flooding that affected the new Boscombe Library and the Russell Cotes museum, and of course limited Fire Brigade resources are tied up pumping out premises."

There is a meeting on February 12th to progress the issue, at which further information will be considered.

"Many people in Bournemouth are affected by the issue of flooding following heavy rain," adds Roger.

"The Council insists that its street maintenance meets the required standard, but based on my limited experience, I would think many local people would then probably question if the standard is adequate."

"But we need evidence."

Information about parts of the town prone to flooding, or any other information that may be relevant, should be sent to Cllr West: email roger.west@bournemouth.gov.uk, write to Cllr West at: Town Hall, Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth, BH2 6DY.