Stanley Ward Conservative Club in Blackpool seeking answers over whether dyke issue caused flooding
“Our primary concern is protecting the Club, its members and the wider community.”
A private members club in Blackpool has called for an investigation after its premises suffered flooding which committee members believe may be linked to the infilling of a historic drainage dyke.
The flooding occurred at Stanley Ward Conservative Club, on Common Edge Road, on Friday (October 23) when water entered the club’s basement games room, rising through the concrete floor and causing significant disruption to club users.
Members believe a watercourse which runs alongside the club’s eastern boundary was filled in when Elan Homes began building 86 homes for its Redwood Gardens development at Marton Moss.
The Club has submitted a formal complaint to Blackpool Council’s Flood Risk Management Team requesting an immediate investigation into whether all necessary permissions were obtained before the watercourse was altered and whether the changes have contributed to flooding at the premises.
Elan Homes has been approached for a comment.
Committee members and community are seeking answers as to whether planning conditions, watercourse regulations and drainage requirements have been properly enforced and whether opportunities to address the issue at an earlier stage were missed.
Blackpool Council says it is aware of the flooding and is reviewing the concerns.
WHAT THEY SAY
Jason Roberts, Chairman of Stanley Ward Conservative Club, said: “Our primary concern is protecting the Club, its members and the wider community.
“What has happened raises serious questions about whether appropriate consideration was given to drainage and flood management.
“We are extremely concerned by what appears to be a direct connection between the infilling of the dyke and the flooding experienced within the building and wider area.
We believe it is essential that a full and independent investigation now takes place.”
The Club has asked the Council to determine whether the watercourse qualifies as an ordinary watercourse, whether the necessary consents were obtained, whether drainage routes have been obstructed and what remedial works may now be necessary to prevent further flooding.
Graham Baker, who is Club president as well as a Blackpool conservative councillor, says the issue goes beyond damage to a single building.
He said: “This is not simply about one flooded room. It is about protecting local residents, community assets and ensuring that developments are carried out lawfully and responsibly. If drainage infrastructure has been compromised, there are potentially wider implications for the surrounding area.”
He also said the games room at the club is currently closed, causing snooker teams to use outside premises for their “home” matches.
A Blackpool Council spokesperson said: “Blackpool Council is aware of the flooding reported at Stanley Ward Conservative Club and our officers are currently reviewing the concerns that have been raised.
“Once this process has been completed, we will be able to assess the next steps and any action that may be necessary.”