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18/11/2007, 2:30 PM
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keith gerrard

Joined on 16/04/2004
Posts 9,489
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18/11/2007, 2:44 PM
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Lynda

Joined on 22/03/2004
Norwich
Posts 2,478
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I have just heard the Radio Norfolk item, broadcast last Friday, on Listen Again on the BBC Norfolk website (relevant programmes are on there for seven days after the broadcast). The bit about Walcott was a after the 8pm news, sports, weather and Children in Need announcements so it probably started around 5-10 minutes after 8 am.
I never heard anything so weak as the man from the Environment Agency! Chris Goreham, who was filling in for the usual presenter of the Breakfast Show, Stephen Bumfrey, asked the man why the sirens weren't sounded. The man said it was due to the sea level not being high enough when the decision was made - according to him Walcott was caught by "unforeseen" large waves! Er, since Thursday, we had warnings about a SURGE producing LARGE WAVES around our coast! The Environment Agency had it wrong although they were not admitting it!!!
Lynda
Technology is great when it works.
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18/11/2007, 3:47 PM
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Jill

Joined on 15/08/2005
Norfolk
Posts 1,743
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18/11/2007, 7:01 PM
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keith gerrard

Joined on 16/04/2004
Posts 9,489
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19/11/2007, 7:01 AM
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john
Joined on 07/08/2007
Posts 913
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It is not so many years ago when the responsibility of sounding sirens rested with the police.Given your situation I don't think that they would worry whether they woke someone up or not because now,they have to call round to individual houses and warn people.One P.C. could have done that.Just press a button,job done.John
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19/11/2007, 11:06 AM
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Jill

Joined on 15/08/2005
Norfolk
Posts 1,743
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As far as I ascertained John, silver control was in the hands of police and it was they who refused to sound the siren by pressing the button.
Hence, we want it out of their control because if the worst flooding/sea surge for 50 years was imminent and they refused to sound the siren, refused to give assurances for the future, what other choice do we have with these people in charge, who's common sense has to be challenged.
A mega cock up thats for sure went on that night and we want answers, assurances and the people who made that decision removed from their posts immediately for the peace of mind of our community who cannot sleep at night since the flood.
.
You couldnt make it up, mega mega
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19/11/2007, 1:55 PM
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john
Joined on 07/08/2007
Posts 913
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.Here we go again then Jill.The Chief Constable blames the Chief Inspector,he blames the Inspector and so on.At the end of a long enquiry all you will get is"We have learnt our lessons so it doesn't happen again". I am sorry it was the police who let youdown [alledgedly] Someones head should be on the block.This is a case for your M.P.John
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19/11/2007, 2:27 PM
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nevermind
Joined on 28/05/2007
Posts 1,316
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Keep your hands on the gate Jill, all of you, keep rattling until somebody lsitens, because you have a right to know who cocked up in the great line of those responsible. In any way, it might be safer to set up your own system and operate it, because if the last sea surge was not enough, there will be another one round soon, like in the spring. Other communities might want to come in on it and I don't think that anybody from the coastal ploddery will owe up to it, just as the local councillors.
Equally with sandbags, rather than buying them at great costs from the councils jobsworth, why not get all and sundry who used to knitt socks for charity, to switch production to sewing sandbags. Old cloth, usually given to Oxfam, could make for Walcotts new and more colourfull array of sandbags, the spring high tides are soon upon you and direct action is always better than waiting for hell to freeze over.
You might be able to find a supplier of sand who drops a few heaps around Walcott, so you can be prepared for the spring tides.
For example, take a suitable pillow case, by folding over the three sides which are not open, running a zigzag stich over the lot and provide a string which can be sewn in centrally to the open side, you can provide an easy sand bag. It will not last more than one or two events, but what the heck, it don't cost much and provides for a colourfull show.
Ideally they should be of same size, so they are more easily stacked, but as long as they hold the water back and do the job, you can make them as long and as fat as you can handle them. Once filled they are heavy.
Another tip, when all is over, turn out the wet sand, sluice the wet salty bag and then hang out to dry, it will last longer. keep the sand somewhere, its reusable.
Good luck Walcott, Happisburgh, Hemsby and all the others, the Government has abondoned you. nevermind
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19/11/2007, 6:36 PM
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Jill

Joined on 15/08/2005
Norfolk
Posts 1,743
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We do not feel it is unreasonable to expect some recompense, in an apology, immediate response to our plight and far reaching consequences for the people who put our lives at risk that night.
We cite as a case the lady, a near neighbour of ours who's husband is disabled.
She uses a hoist to get him in and out of bed. At 3.00am, this could have been used and she could have got him out of bed, into her car and to safety.
As it was, at 5.00am her electricity failed because we had no warnings, the hoist did not work, her husband was bodily carried to safety by the flood wardens with moments to spare.
We were next in the queue to be informed, because of the extra workload it was so much later we were told to leave, then the water was at our front doors, over two feet deep.
We were perfectly able to get ourselves out of our homes, in our cars and take our elderly neighbours with us as well at 3.00am but at 5.00am we were give 10 minutes warning by the powers to be and could not use our cars through the high water and had to be driven to safety by the flood wardens 4x4.
My daughter walking her dog, walked towards the incoming floood unaware that is was a potentially life threatening situation when she should have been at the assembly point two hours earlier.
Mant people registered on the #~Flood Watch did not receive warnings, I received a low level warning which was not updated.
It was all so stupid and unescessary. If the procedures had been adhered to, we would not have been put in danger at all. The flood wardens informed the silver control, the man at the other end of the phone was ready to press the button, but the order from above refused to let him press it.
We want his or their names. We cannot sleep at night, why should they.
By the way, in stark contrast to those who are hiding behind anonimity, rank and officialdom in their neck saving responses, the real heroes of the night, the flood wardens, have said if we ask for a Bravery award for them, they will refuse.
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20/11/2007, 10:03 PM
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Jill

Joined on 15/08/2005
Norfolk
Posts 1,743
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Very interestingly, I found this report from the flood wardens on NORFOLK COUNTY RAYNET
Great Yarmouth, North Norfolk Sea Coast Flood Alert, Thursday 8th and Friday 9th November, 2007.
At approx 1030 on Thursday 8th of November 2007, I was asked to urgently contact Inspector ***** at Gt Yarmouth Police station, re flooding. This resulted in attending the first Silver Command meeting at 1230 at Gt. Yarmouth Police Station. This was followed by further meetings at 1600 and 1900. The outcome for RAYNET was that our help would definitely be needed and that I would need to call members out, initially for 0400 hours, approx 3 ½ hours before the time of the predicted highest water.
Following the 1230 meeting, contact was made with M1CQS, Graham Broadland Controller asking him to place around 6 members of Broadland Group on alert for the early hours of Friday morning, as it was uncertain at the time of the numbers of RAYNET members who would be required or for the length of time. The following members were contacted and placed on call out notice for 0400, Friday, 2E0ILH, Ian, 2E0BNT, Bruce, M3TFQ, Stewart and M3TFZ, Eddy who would be able to give us reports from his work location near the Harbour Mouth.
M0CNP, David, was also contacted and asked if he had been alerted by JOC North Walsham. He hadn’t at this time, and asked if he was if he could organise members for North Norfolk, as the deputy controller, G4PSH, Terry, was ill and wouldn’t be able to respond. I informed him that I was making contact with the southern most members of the North Norfolk group – M3JST, James (put on alert), 2E1BNA, Sue and 2E1EIV, Alec, neither of whom I was able to contact.
Initially the plan was for the Yarmouth group to be at the police station for 0400 along with control. This plan changed after being contacted by M1CQS and being informed of the opening of North Walsham JOC and County Hall Norwich . G7UCC (G4TWT, Bill). County Hall requested that we man 5 rest centres from 0300 and with help from Broadland, - West Flegg Middle (now Martham Primary School), Caister High, Wroughton Junior, Oriel High, and Cliff Park were manned by G0SMS (Dianne), 2E1HAO (Shirley), G8UJO (Barry) & M3NLK (Nigel), 2E0ILH Ian and M3TFQ (Eddy) respectively. 2E0BNT (Bruce) joined control at 0400 at the JOC, Gt. Yarmouth. I was also able to ask M3JST (James) to remain on standby, and if not contacted by 1200 on the Friday to stand down. I was able to give the same message to G7UVY (Colin) who had been able to offer the possibility of boat assistance.
RAYNET control at Gt. Yarmouth went on air at 0155 on 144.650, contacting G7UCC (County Hall), and G7RNN (JOC North Walsham). Although G7RNN was in contact with G0UIQ (Billy) and M0EBN (Simon) on the North Norfolk Coast outstations nothing could be heard from them at Gt. Yarmouth. Gt. Yarmouth control moved to 144.625 as arranged for the duration of the callout, with the exception of the occasional move to 144.650 to pass information to G7UCC (Bill G4TWT/Shelagh G4TWS and to enquire what was happening with G7RNN. This proved to be good practise as although we have done com checks in the past, we have not (to my knowledge) attempted to work controls from inside rest centre buildings, on reduced power handhelds. The result was that several stations did have significant QRM and weak signals to control unless they left the building / used their mobile set in their cars. It is my view that things would not have worked as well as they did if we’d had all control stations on the same frequency – as it was we did have occasional doubling on 144.625 between manned stations and outside stations and it should be emphasised that other stations wishing to contact either control or a manned station should give their call sign and standby for control acknowledgement to go ahead.
JOC North Walsham N Norfolk Group members on standby at 1800hrs advised by JOC
Silver Command (PC ******) that RAYNET required at 0200hrs with outstations at Cley and Salthouse Green. Broadland Controller advised to standby if required. At 0145 M0CNP David arrived at JOC N Walsham (as Terry G4PSH was sick) David would now act as RAYNET Depcon at JOC G7RNN. M0EBN at Cley and G0UIQ at Salthouse for 0200. Communications established to County Hall G7UCC and JOC Gt Yarmouth on 144.650, Also Radio Checks made at intervals with Salthouse, Cley, JOC Gt Yarmouth and County Hall. Awaiting further instructions from Silver Command which never came and at 0655 JOC N Walsham Closed down with no major evacuations or sea wall breaches on the North Norfolk Coast but Sea and River flooding was bad in a few known areas including Walcott Beach Road.
As the night/morning progressed, RAYNET reported the first breach in the Gt Yarmouth Harbour area and perhaps more significantly were able to report up to date information on conditions and numbers at the rest centres, which was able to be immediately and acted upon. Just after 0600, 2E0BNT replaced M3TFQ at Cliff Park, having already done sterling work at control in both keeping G7VAH awake and being an excellent scribe!
G0MNX (John) was also deployed to South Norfolk Council Offices to cover G0SNR if required.
0730, and the peak of the flood approached and there was a notable calmness in the JOC, as it was finally realised that the defences had, in the main, held and that shortly people could start to return to their homes, their adventures over for one night!
The next 3 ½ hours saw mainly traffic concerning shortages of things like lack of numbers, food, blankets changing to soap and towels and at Caister Eva Centre running out of nappies to finally is our road flooded and is there any transport available. Social Services were certainly kept on their toes!
We closed our first station at 0905 due to manning problems, followed by West Flegg, and Caister, finally Oriel and Wroughton were stood down at 1100 as although they still had evacuees present, JOC Gt. Yarmouth was being closed so that Police personnel could be re-located to Bethel Street Norwich, to open the JOC there to deal with expected flooding in the Norwich area.
After reporting in to G7UCC (now M1CQS), G7VAH closed RAYNET control Gt. Yarmouth at 11.05 – just over 24 hours since being called out.
As a result of this callout, there are several issues which have been raised by members and by control which are to be reported to the next Admin meeting and hopefully will be resolved/acted upon to improve the service we can give in times of emergency.
G7VAH, Steve, Controller North Norfolk & Gt. Yarmouth Groups, Norfolk County RAYNET.
From a personal side, I would like to thank all members who turned out in pretty unsociable hours for a long period of time, without sleep and made my job easier by helping me along. Also those who were on alert but who didn’t get the call – if things had gone differently, you would have, if only to relieve some very tired people – here’s hoping that the next call out is no more serious than this one turned out to be.
P. S. I apologise if I’ve missed you out – time went so fast and sleep didn’t but I think I’ve remembered everything!
Steve G7VAH N Norfolk/Gt Yarmouth Controller
Well, what do you know, we were flooded by the river, I dont think so but at least we know a few more details about what happened that night. More power to our elbow when we demand to know why the sirens were not used when absolutely necessary.
It seems the person from silver control was of PC rank. I have his name and will now be able to insist that he attends.
The internet is a wonderful thing
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21/11/2007, 3:56 PM
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Ray
Joined on 16/11/2007
Posts 3
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Re: Walcott hits back
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Jill wrote: | | When are we going to get a meeting? how long does it take them ?
Very interestingly, I found this report from the flood wardens on NORFOLK COUNTY RAYNET
Great Yarmouth, North Norfolk Sea Coast Flood Alert, Thursday 8th and Friday 9th November, 2007.
At approx 1030 on Thursday 8th of November 2007, I was asked to urgently contact Inspector ***** at Gt Yarmouth Police station, re flooding. This resulted in attending the first Silver Command meeting at 1230 at Gt. Yarmouth Police Station. This was followed by further meetings at 1600 and 1900. The outcome for RAYNET was that our help would definitely be needed and that I would need to call members out, initially for 0400 hours, approx 3 ½ hours before the time of the predicted highest water.
Following the 1230 meeting, contact was made with M1CQS, Graham Broadland Controller asking him to place around 6 members of Broadland Group on alert for the early hours of Friday morning, as it was uncertain at the time of the numbers of RAYNET members who would be required or for the length of time. The following members were contacted and placed on call out notice for 0400, Friday, 2E0ILH, Ian, 2E0BNT, Bruce, M3TFQ, Stewart and M3TFZ, Eddy who would be able to give us reports from his work location near the Harbour Mouth.
M0CNP, David, was also contacted and asked if he had been alerted by JOC North Walsham. He hadn’t at this time, and asked if he was if he could organise members for North Norfolk, as the deputy controller, G4PSH, Terry, was ill and wouldn’t be able to respond. I informed him that I was making contact with the southern most members of the North Norfolk group – M3JST, James (put on alert), 2E1BNA, Sue and 2E1EIV, Alec, neither of whom I was able to contact.
Initially the plan was for the Yarmouth group to be at the police station for 0400 along with control. This plan changed after being contacted by M1CQS and being informed of the opening of North Walsham JOC and County Hall Norwich . G7UCC (G4TWT, Bill). County Hall requested that we man 5 rest centres from 0300 and with help from Broadland, - West Flegg Middle (now Martham Primary School), Caister High, Wroughton Junior, Oriel High, and Cliff Park were manned by G0SMS (Dianne), 2E1HAO (Shirley), G8UJO (Barry) & M3NLK (Nigel), 2E0ILH Ian and M3TFQ (Eddy) respectively. 2E0BNT (Bruce) joined control at 0400 at the JOC, Gt. Yarmouth. I was also able to ask M3JST (James) to remain on standby, and if not contacted by 1200 on the Friday to stand down. I was able to give the same message to G7UVY (Colin) who had been able to offer the possibility of boat assistance.
RAYNET control at Gt. Yarmouth went on air at 0155 on 144.650, contacting G7UCC (County Hall), and G7RNN (JOC North Walsham). Although G7RNN was in contact with G0UIQ (Billy) and M0EBN (Simon) on the North Norfolk Coast outstations nothing could be heard from them at Gt. Yarmouth. Gt. Yarmouth control moved to 144.625 as arranged for the duration of the callout, with the exception of the occasional move to 144.650 to pass information to G7UCC (Bill G4TWT/Shelagh G4TWS and to enquire what was happening with G7RNN. This proved to be good practise as although we have done com checks in the past, we have not (to my knowledge) attempted to work controls from inside rest centre buildings, on reduced power handhelds. The result was that several stations did have significant QRM and weak signals to control unless they left the building / used their mobile set in their cars. It is my view that things would not have worked as well as they did if we’d had all control stations on the same frequency – as it was we did have occasional doubling on 144.625 between manned stations and outside stations and it should be emphasised that other stations wishing to contact either control or a manned station should give their call sign and standby for control acknowledgement to go ahead.
JOC North Walsham N Norfolk Group members on standby at 1800hrs advised by JOC
Silver Command (PC ******) that RAYNET required at 0200hrs with outstations at Cley and Salthouse Green. Broadland Controller advised to standby if required. At 0145 M0CNP David arrived at JOC N Walsham (as Terry G4PSH was sick) David would now act as RAYNET Depcon at JOC G7RNN. M0EBN at Cley and G0UIQ at Salthouse for 0200. Communications established to County Hall G7UCC and JOC Gt Yarmouth on 144.650, Also Radio Checks made at intervals with Salthouse, Cley, JOC Gt Yarmouth and County Hall. Awaiting further instructions from Silver Command which never came and at 0655 JOC N Walsham Closed down with no major evacuations or sea wall breaches on the North Norfolk Coast but Sea and River flooding was bad in a few known areas including Walcott Beach Road.
As the night/morning progressed, RAYNET reported the first breach in the Gt Yarmouth Harbour area and perhaps more significantly were able to report up to date information on conditions and numbers at the rest centres, which was able to be immediately and acted upon. Just after 0600, 2E0BNT replaced M3TFQ at Cliff Park, having already done sterling work at control in both keeping G7VAH awake and being an excellent scribe!
G0MNX (John) was also deployed to South Norfolk Council Offices to cover G0SNR if required.
0730, and the peak of the flood approached and there was a notable calmness in the JOC, as it was finally realised that the defences had, in the main, held and that shortly people could start to return to their homes, their adventures over for one night!
The next 3 ½ hours saw mainly traffic concerning shortages of things like lack of numbers, food, blankets changing to soap and towels and at Caister Eva Centre running out of nappies to finally is our road flooded and is there any transport available. Social Services were certainly kept on their toes!
We closed our first station at 0905 due to manning problems, followed by West Flegg, and Caister, finally Oriel and Wroughton were stood down at 1100 as although they still had evacuees present, JOC Gt. Yarmouth was being closed so that Police personnel could be re-located to Bethel Street Norwich, to open the JOC there to deal with expected flooding in the Norwich area.
After reporting in to G7UCC (now M1CQS), G7VAH closed RAYNET control Gt. Yarmouth at 11.05 – just over 24 hours since being called out.
As a result of this callout, there are several issues which have been raised by members and by control which are to be reported to the next Admin meeting and hopefully will be resolved/acted upon to improve the service we can give in times of emergency.
G7VAH, Steve, Controller North Norfolk & Gt. Yarmouth Groups, Norfolk County RAYNET.
From a personal side, I would like to thank all members who turned out in pretty unsociable hours for a long period of time, without sleep and made my job easier by helping me along. Also those who were on alert but who didn’t get the call – if things had gone differently, you would have, if only to relieve some very tired people – here’s hoping that the next call out is no more serious than this one turned out to be.
P. S. I apologise if I’ve missed you out – time went so fast and sleep didn’t but I think I’ve remembered everything!
Steve G7VAH N Norfolk/Gt Yarmouth Controller
Well, what do you know, we were flooded by the river, I dont think so but at least we know a few more details about what happened that night. More power to our elbow when we demand to know why the sirens were not used when absolutely necessary.
It seems the person from silver control was of PC rank. I have his name and will now be able to insist that he attends.
The internet is a wonderful thing
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21/11/2007, 8:12 PM
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Jill

Joined on 15/08/2005
Norfolk
Posts 1,743
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Ray, I do not know when the meeting is arranged, I suspect that it will not be soon.
I have a suspicion that the Environmental Health representative may have much more to do with the decision not to use the sirens than we first thought as he was in silver control that evening in a liasing role between Bronze and Gold control.
Of course, they will not confirm that or tell us anything.
They are waiting for our anger to die down, but they are in for a big disappointment if they think that.
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03/12/2007, 4:42 PM
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Jill

Joined on 15/08/2005
Norfolk
Posts 1,743
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I tried to email you Ray, but I am not sure it was sent.
I do not know of this meeting as yet.
Another last minute meeting, I had heard of the one in Bacton on the 9th January 2008 and have been asked to represent Walcott.
Could you e mail me on gilliedew33@hotmail.com with further information
Thanks to the posters who have sent their support for the petition, you are stars.
I sent this open letter to the North Norfolk News today, lets hope they use it to shame the perople resonsible to turn up and answer their critics.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tactical Silver Manager
I am writing to you as a resident of Walcott evacuated on the night of Nov 8/9th 2007.
I have noticed in the flood wardens report that you were “silver control” during this time or know the person who was, so if this does not concern you, would you kindly pass this letter on to them, in fact, please show it to everyone concerned as I would like them to know just how the decision not to sound the sirens has affected many of us.
We suffered greatly during that night, we lost our possessions, our homes for some months due to the damage but our greatest fear,anger and distress was caused by the decision not to sound the flood siren.
We know silver control was told of the imminent flooding around 4.00am due to the report, even earlier maybe. We were roused by a member of my family who had unwittingly been out early and had walked into the situation unknowingly. The flood water was in front and behind them and they had minutes to escape before it flooded.
The wardens were told to rouse people from their beds, they would not answer the door at that time of night, many being elderly and afraid. With no siren at that time they ignored the wardens, only to call them back later when they urgently needed them. This meant that the people getting flooded further down the village were still asleep and unaware of the danger even at 5.00am.
We were given ten minutes warning to get out of our homes with the water knee deep. Our cars were unusable, if we had known earlier, we could have moved them and used them to take people to safety. Our only escape route was towards the sea and we only got out due to the bravery of the flood wardens and their vehicles.
The disabled man who needed a hoist, could not be moved from his bed because the electricity failed, when if we had known earlier, we could have helped with his evacuation safely. The wardens bodily carried him to their vehicles.
If the sirens had been sounded, we all would have been safe at the assembly point, would not have witnessed the awful sight of water invading our homes and having to drive through deep water to reach safety.
As it is, the decision of silver control not to allow the sirens, has left us with deep trauma, disbelief and anger that our lives were treated with such little concern. I am speaking of small children, elderly and mentally challenged people, all who if they had had sufficient warning would not be in a shocked state of disbelief that their lives seemed to be worth so little to the people who are entrusted with our care and safety.
We feel that the people in silver control were very lucky that night that nobody died and we ask that they attend a meeting to explain to the people of Walcott, why they made that very wrong decision. We also demand assurances that it will not happen again and procedures which were not adhered to are immediately investigated and a full report given to the people of Walcott, who had to endure the consequences.
We therefore ask that you and the silver control personnel face us at the next meeting and explain your actions. We ask that you do not hide behind officialdom, as was the case in the last meeting and which caused outrage in the residents of Walcott. Answers were required regarding why our lives had needlessly been put at risk by the very people who should have been responsive to our needs. They hid behind anonymity and a council led PR initiative to minimize the reaction from the villagers. We recognize this as a sign that the people involved were unwilling to face us because of the decision about the sirens and it reflected badly that there was no representative from the police to make a statement regarding this matter.
We cannot sleep at night, we feel that the people responsible should be made aware how their actions have affected us all. We break down in tears regularly with the memories of that night and the unnecessary last minute evacuation because of a poor decision which could have cost our lives.
We read your efforts have been hailed as a success, not in our village, you were very lucky, far luckier than your decision allowed. You have added much anguish to a very battered community and what saved you was luck and we want you to know we know it too.
So, may we request that you do the decent thing and come and face us. We will be angry and let you know it, but we have a right to be. We feel that you are morally beholden to give the people you exposed to great danger the answers to the questions they want to ask and be told as I am doing in this letter, the reasons we are so annoyed that the sirens were not sounded.
It seems that as half the village was not affected, the sirens were not sounded as not to panic the people not involved. That decision put their welfare in front of the people who were in great danger.
You owe the people of Walcott a great apology, silver control, we will expect it at the next meeting.
Do the decent thing, you let us down badly, we deserve better
A Walcott resident.
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EDP24 Forums » EDP24 General » News » Walcott hits back
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