By UKFDA Case Studies • Uncategorized 0 Comments

Eco-Blocks Used to prevent flooding at Hebden Bridge

Hebden Bridge has a history of flooding.  The Flood Volunteer Team are using Eco-Blocks to direct fast flowing water into the drains with great results.

Flooding History

The Calder Valley is a steep sided valley which reacts very quickly to sudden outbreaks of rain. This results in the steep hillside roads becoming de facto rivers as the run-off from the fields and woodland soon cascades down the roads.

One area in particular affects the main A646 road as it runs through Hebden Bridge, resulting in surface water flooding an important retail area. Water cascades down this hillside road at speed and overshoots the drains built into the road surface. The water then floods Market Street, affecting traders and households.

Product Supplied

Eco-Blocks have been supplied to the Flood Warden and his team at Hebden Bridge.

Subsequent Use

The flood volunteers speedily deploy the Eco-Blocks to form catchments around the drains slowing the flow of water.  This allows the drains to actually take the water into the drainage system and away from Market Street, Hebden Bridge.

Once the emergency is over the volunteers clean the Eco-Blocks and return them to the store ready for the next time they are needed.

Customer Comment

“As a pragmatic retired Fire Brigade officer (an old war horse) with extensive experience of dealing with emergencies, I find the eco-blocks to be one of our most useful and adaptable tools in responding to potential flooding. They are easy and speedy to deploy and adaptable in forming a shaped barrier which directs water away from vulnerable areas.  Also, importantly, they are re-usable.”

By UKFDA Case Studies 0 Comments

Dog rescue centre: Expert Advice but Zero Cost

Maureen Foers OBE lives in Hull.  Her family property comprises a large farmhouse, out buildings and 5 acres of farmland.  A stray dog rescue centre is run from the out buildings where stray dogs are cared for before rehoming them.

In 2007 Hull was badly affected by flooding.  Luckily Maureen wasn’t actually flooded but it was a close call.  The rescue dogs were literally sorted by the length of their legs with the short dogs being housed furthest away from the advancing floods!

The insurance cover does cover some flooding, but there is always a query when trying to prove the property was NOT flooded in 2007. This was because the drains/ditches surrounding the property sent the water away to a lake and the buildings avoided being flooded.

When Maureen received an email from the UKFDA she responded to the offer of a free and independent flood survey.  She wanted to know what she could do to protect the property.

The survey literally covered the majority of the 5 acres and Lance the UKFDA flood surveyor discussed potential options with her.  His recommendation was to scrupulously maintain the ditches as they are a successful form of drainage and flood prevention.

Maureen said “The process was simple.  Lance the inspector, thoroughly inspected our entire property – virtually 5 acres.  He took a lot of trouble and then recommended something that didn’t cost us any money!”   

“We received sensible advice which hasn’t cost us anything but we have the peace of mind of knowing what we must do to protect ourselves.  If I move house I will certainly ask for a survey on the new property as it has been a really useful service.”

Maureen Foers February 2016