Shropshire Star

Flood hit Shropshire community will be supported by Owen Paterson MP

A community hit by flooding will be supported by former environment minister Owen Paterson.

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The North Shropshire MP said he will do all he can to support people living in Whixall, near Whitchurch.

Mr Paterson has written to the Canal and River Trust and Shropshire Council to see if action can be taken to solve the flooding problems for residents living near the Llangollen stretch of the canal.

One of the residents affected is Rob Cadman, who lives in Moss Lane in the village.

His garden has been flooded since December and has been forced to take to DIY flood defences and use sandbags in an attempt to keep the water at bay.

Parts of Whixall have been under water since December

He said: "We are very concerned. Our garden has been completely flooded since the start of December. My son used to go out and use the garden all the time to play football but now it is a no-go area as the water is so deep.

"We have raised our summerhouse at the bottom of the garden by 12 inches on bricks to try and save it from being flooded. We are just days away of having to vacate our property due to the rapid rising water level entering our electric supply to our bio-disc septic tank.

"We would like a meeting arranged for all those affected to sort the problems out."

Residents recently attended a parish council meeting to voice their concerns.

Ian Mercer, chairman of Whixall Parish Council, said: "One of the residents has to leave their home as their septic tank had been flooded. The situation is very difficult. We feel desperately sad for those affected and want to help."

Lynn Pegler, from the Canal and River Trust, said the group have been monitoring leakage and regularly inspect the area.

She added: "We can reassure residents and visitors to this area that the leakage in this case is minor and has a negligible influence on the seasonal flooding levels in this area of wetland."

Mr Paterson's office said he is now awaiting to hear back from the Canal and River Trust before he decides his next move.

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