Flooding has long been a concern for many in our part of Norfolk – and the heavy rainfall of December 23rd-24th 2020, and again in the early part of 2021, resulted in a record number of call outs for Anglian Water, the Environment Agency and Norfolk County Council alike, exacerbating these long held frustrations and fears.

Many saw their gardens and homes flooded with surface rainwater and, sometimes, raw sewage. Many more reported being unable to use toilets and showers as drainage systems and nearby pumping stations were overwhelmed. Sadly, in most cases, it was the second/third/fourth time this had happened in the previous year (following similar flooding in previous years) and, quite understandably, people were at the end of their tether – feeling hopeless, and angry and distrustful of the local agencies that take their money but provide a service well below the standard promised and which would be reasonably considered acceptable.

That’s why I was delighted to hear that Anglian Water have backed an initiative called ‘Unblocktober’ which is a national campaign to raise awareness and improve the UK’s drains and sewers for the future. Last year they removed over 3,000 tons of wipes, sanitary products, and cooking oil from our sewers.

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