A Leicestershire pub owner is considering legal action against the county council after experiencing her fourth flood in five years. Jo Towle claims the council's inaction in maintaining drainage systems has led to the repeated flooding of her pub, The Crown and Plough. She asserts that the issue stems from multiple authorities and individuals owning different sections of the drainage system, hindering a coordinated approach to solve the problem.
Jo Towle, the operator of The Crown and Plough pub in Long Clawson, Leicestershire, has been flooded four times in the past five years. Towle is considering legal action against Leicestershire County Council, alleging their inaction in maintaining clear drainage systems has led to these repeated floods. She claims the issue stems from multiple authorities and individuals owning different sections of the drainage system, causing a lack of coordinated effort to address the problem.
Towle expressed frustration at the council's seeming disregard for the issue, citing council minutes that have highlighted the problem for the past 25 years without a solution. She feels trapped in her business, unable to sell or lease the pub due to the recurring flooding, which also impacts the elderly and widowed residents who rely on the pub as a lifeline. Towle's partner, Chris, has struggled with the mental toll of the situation, unable to contribute to the pub's operations. Despite the emotional strain, Towle remains determined to seek a resolution, urging the borough and county councils to collaborate for a coordinated response. She believes the council could utilize its watercourse regulation policy and the 'Land Drainage Act 1991' to compel riparian owners to contribute to the maintenance of the culvert. While Leicestershire County Council acknowledges the situation as 'complicated' due to the shared ownership of the culvert, Towle argues that a map detailing ownership exists, rendering the issue less complex. A surveyor, speaking anonymously, confirmed the council's ability to undertake the necessary work and recover costs from riparian owners. Ozzy O Shea, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transportation and Flooding at Leicestershire County Council, stated that while the policy allows for such action, their low funding status prevents them from taking on the financial risk of legal battles. He expressed a willingness to work with Towle and riparian owners, promising to use the newly allocated £1 million for flood protections. O Shea also affirmed that conversations with those affected in Long Clawson will begin within the next couple of weeks. LBC has reached out to The Treasury for further comment
FLOODING LEGAL ACTION DRAINAGE COUNCIL PUBLICAN LEICESTERSHIRE
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