Bosham Parish Council Water Bailiff /Flood Warden &
Team.
Introduction: Bosham is at risk from both river
and sea flooding. However, thanks to the foresight of the Parish
Council, the resilience of Bosham Association and the consistent hard
work of the Flood Team we live in relative
security. It is entirely due to these factors that we are categorised as
a low rather than high risk area. It could otherwise be a very different
story.
Did you realise...? If you're reading this it's
possible you have interests to protect, financial or otherwise.
It's important for you to know what we do. On this site we aim to
portray the largely unknown "behind-the-scenes" activities of the Flood
team and why your support and occasional involvement is vital
for the welfare of the Village.
Without ongoing efforts? The ramifications are
serious. To mention a few: insurance would rise and house
values drop; Harbour pollution - our current major
concern - would be worse; all water based activities and clubs would
decline; wildlife would suffer, etc. In short, Bosham would be a far
less desirable place to live or visit. It's not a good thought!
The bottom line? Too much water in the winter and
too little in the summer requires a concerted effort to ensure that
flows are monitored and controlled, for all sorts of reasons - not least
health, security, silting, wildlife, flora and fauna etc. It's a truly
"green" issue about which we are passionate, not just for ourselves but
for future generations.
Responsibilities, authority and accountability.
The Water Bailiff is appointed by and
accountable to Bosham Parish Council
and is supported by sixteen volunteer team members from the community.
He is also authorised by various other statutory bodies to whom he reports on a
regular basis. These include:
-
The Environment Agency - regarding the flow of water
through our streams & rivers.
-
Chichester District Council - concerning riparian
issues, rights and responsibilities.
-
West Sussex County Council - most notably
the Highways Dept.
He also liaises with and provides reports/updates to:
-
Sussex Police & Sussex Fire Service -
Community Partnership.
-
Chichester Harbour Conservancy - Harbour Master.
-
Southern Water - a private company.
Dave West served the community as Water
Bailiff for six years from 2003. One of Bosham's many unsung heroes.
He was succeeded by Tony Black in March of this year (2009) who
would much appreciate your continued support. |
