Fishlake Village Boosts Flood Preparedness Five Years After Major Flooding

A volunteer warden has stated that a village, which suffered severe flooding from heavy rainfall five years ago, is now better equipped to respond if a similar event occurs. In November 2019, over 750 properties in and around Doncaster were inundated, with Fishlake identified as one of the most severely impacted areas. During the peak of the crisis, 90% of homes in the community were breached by contaminated water, and the Environment Agency issued seven “threat to life” warnings for the River Don. Peter Trimingham reported that the local reaction had been “fantastic,” and the number of flood wardens, including himself, has increased from four to 30 since 2019. He noted that 150-200 people participated in placing sandbags when water overflowed the Don’s bank last year. Trimingham remarked, “People are aware of the threat the River Don poses. The village still comes under threat. We had water overbanking behind the church during the storms last year and before, so it’s still a difficulty.” Since 2019, the Environment Agency has allocated more than £4m to projects aimed at preventing flooding. A spokesperson confirmed, “These works were completed in June 2021 and included strengthening embankments and improving the condition of existing defences.” The spokesperson added, “We know the impact that flooding has had on Fishlake and we continue to work with the community in reducing flood risk.” On 8 November 2019, rainfall equivalent to a month’s total occurred in the region within 24 hours, leading to the flooding of 1,500 buildings. Five areas in Doncaster were issued a severe flood warning, signifying a “significant risk to life,” and residents were advised to evacuate their homes for their safety. The village church organized the collection of food for distribution to residents, and roast dinners were delivered to many individuals who had remained in their homes. In 2021, residents collaborated to create a book that compiled their experiences and photographs from that period. The publication, titled Flood: The Stories of a Village Underwater, contained 85 personal stories and 350 photographs, with profits directed towards aiding those still recovering from the floods. Listeners can access highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, view the most recent episode of Look North, or submit a story they believe warrants coverage. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC does not assume responsibility for the content found on external sites. Further information on our approach to external linking is available.