The recent floods at Botley have had enormous impact on many of the local businesses who are based at Botley Mills.
I have visited Botley Mills on both of the two occasions that there has been flooding on the site to try and assist those businesses who have been forced to close and lost stock.
The reasons for the first flood were due to a burst pipe and I have called on Southern Water to address this issue so it cannot happen again. However, the cause of the second flood relates far more to the amount of development that has occurred locally and the way that this displaces ground and surface water. Again, I have been working with key partners like the Environment Agency. Hampshire County Council and Southern Water on what more we can do to find a long-term solution to this. You can find out more information about this work here.
These floods really did come at just about the worst time for some of the businesses based at Botley Mills. Therefore, I was delighted to pop along to the re-opening BBQ organised by the Considerate Carnivore butchers and the Hidden Tap brewery. It is great news that both businesses are back open and I will continue to do all I can to help.
