Mud misery for villagers after thaw
The thaw has brought more misery for residents in a flood-hit cul-de-sac. People living in Heathbank Drive, Huntington, near Cannock, have yet again been hit by flooding and mud as last week's snow melted and heavy rain arrived.
Residents have been suffering since last summer, when water gushed into their homes and gardens following heavy rainfall settling on a nearby field. And now they have had to clean up their street again.
This month, the Heathbank and Teddesley Flood Action Group was launched to try to solve the problems.
Organiser, teacher David Wood said: "We did have a few issues after the thaw as the water was coming down the street again. There was mud and silt everywhere. We had about eight residents shifting it and there was about 25 wheelbarrows full of mud that we carted away. But the street still needs clearing and we are hoping that Staffordshire County Council come out to help us."
Sandbags have now been installed around some properties. County Councillor Mike Maryon, cabinet member for highways, said: "We are aware the residents have been very proactive and working together to keep the cul-de-sac free of silt.
"We have assisted with the provision of sandbags to protect properties and carried out sweeping to remove any excess mud off the carriageway. Residents have also set up a flood group, and we will be attending a planned meeting at the end of February to up-date them on progress."
The group has sought the advice of the National Flooding Forum.
Reports of flooding problems across Staffordshire have doubled in the past eight months.
