BINSTEAD businesses and residents are asking for "flood money" in County Hall's budget, which will be decided tomorrow night.

Cllr Ian Dore, who represents Binstead and Fishbourne, has now submitted his own ‘Flood Money’ Amendment for approval.

He wants action from the Isle of Wight Council to carry out recommended works detailed in two commissioned flooding reports. The third, currently in draft form, he believes will recommend the same. 

He said: "The residents that have spoken to me since the budget was released are furious. The disappointment that washes over Binstead is almost on the level of the flooding last July. Previously committed capital expenses were withdrawn, despite the issues not being rectified. 

"The net result is that in July, 20 plus houses internally flooded, amenity businesses were wrecked and six households had to be temporarily rehoused. Some have yet to return. Fists are being waved and rightly so."

Binstead homes were flooded last summer  

In July, 2021, homes and businesses were wrecked by flooding — and now those affected are asking for specific support.

Resident Abi Williams said: “Our house and garden like many others, was totally trashed with human excrement floating around and possessions destroyed.

"If the commitment to sort out the drainage and install the attenuation tanks had been honoured when promised, it could all have been avoided.

"Again we live in constant fear of when it will happen again. To not act is nothing short of negligent and those that ignore this should be held to account."

Lucy Edwards from The Fleming Arms said: “Our business was totally destroyed due to the flooding in July and further damaged caused later in August.

"We had to close for a month suffering a loss of £27,000. In this budget the administration could have shown a specific commitment of support to us, plus others in Binstead. They have chosen not to. What is more important than protecting peoples homes?”

When will the Isle of Wight Council budget will be decided? 

The cabinet budget report does state that work will continue with the Environment Agency on its £60m programme of investment, and an investment will protect around 5,000 homes from flooding.

But Cllr Dore said the statement was not relevant for Binstead, where the problem has been drainage and surface water flooding.

Chris Maher, of Binstead based business, Maher Ross, said: "The human costs of the flooding should not be overlooked.

"Many Binstead residents lost their personal possessions and were forced to move out of their own homes for months.

"Some of our residents now suffer from adverse health because of the persistent damp, stress and the inevitable financial loss associated with the flooding.

"The council should implement immediate measures to prevent Binstead from flooding again. Failure to do so will mean more misery, heartbreak, financial loss and poor health for a large number of Binstead residents.”

Cllr Dore said he would be doing Binstead "a huge injustice" if he ignored the matter.