Vicar Calls for Action After Historic Church Floods Three Times in a Year

The vicar of St John the Baptist church in Edlingham, Northumberland, a Grade I listed building that has experienced three floods within a year, asserts that the local authority is failing to implement protective measures. Located at the base of a hill near Alnwick, the church is susceptible to heavy rainfall, which causes water from the road to flow through its graveyard and into the structure. The Reverend Rich Townend, the priest-in-charge, expressed his frustration, stating: “There is an relatively easy solution but I just can’t get anyone to take the matter seriously.” In response, Northumberland County Council, which is responsible for road maintenance, affirmed that it had “taken significant measures,” including clearing ditches and repairing damaged pipes. This church, a notable site adjacent to a castle that attracts up to 20,000 annual visitors, first experienced flooding prior to Christmas 2023, leading to the cancellation of its carol concert. Subsequent floods occurred in April and October. Mr Townend commented on the broader context, saying: “With a changing climate, we’re getting more and more heavy rain”. Mr Townend elaborated on previous efforts, stating: “Northumberland County Council did build a pipe which went underneath the road, which was supposed to channel the water away from the church and into a field.” However, he added: “But it’s just not big enough to deal with the volumes of water.” He also considered alternative solutions, noting: “One option would be to build floodgates but changes to listed buildings require extensive consultation.” Regarding this, he remarked: “I think we’d struggle to get that approved,” further lamenting: “It’s so frustrating because it is such a beautiful place and one of the oldest churches in Northumberland.” He concluded by sharing his personal concern: “I quite often wake up in the night and hear the rain and worry about what’s happening at Edlingham.” In an official statement, the Conservative-led council affirmed its commitment “to finding the most effective long-term solutions.” The council further explained: “While we acknowledge that installing a larger culvert beneath the road could further reduce the risk of flooding, such a project would be substantial and would require careful evaluation, funding identification, and prioritisation amidst numerous existing infrastructure needs.”