Last February, Matthew visited residents in Colindale whose properties were liable to flooding from the Silk Stream. https://www.matthewofford.co.uk/news/matthew-secures-action-silk-stream-flooding

This resulted in the Government agreeing to develop a business case for a flood alleviation scheme for the brook, the first step in protecting houses and properties located in the Silk Stream catchment area.

Flooding is not a seasonal problem as last summer heavy rainfall led to a warning from the Environment Agency that people living along the Silk Stream should take appropriate action to protect their homes against flooding by surface water and river runoff. 

During a recent further visit, Matthew discussed the problem with residents and representatives from the Environment Agency. The discussion included progress being made on the flood alleviation business case. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has told Matthew, in answer to a Written Parliamentary Question, that the business case is the responsibility of Barnet Council and that he should ask to see a copy of the business case document. This has been requested in order that Matthew can be certain that progress is being made to ensure that local properties are adequately protected.

One problem facing the Environment Agency is ownership of the land along the stream. In most cases, owners of properties next to waterways are the riparian owner along their property boundary. In some and less common scenarios, property boundaries fall short of the waterway channel and the section of waterway may be on land owned by a third party. In these instances, a Land Registry search is necessary to determine riparian ownership.

Matthew said: “Many people are not aware of the location of the Silk Stream but it is a vital watercourse that feeds into the Welsh Harp. It is also a green corridor that provides biodiversity with access to water. However, it is also a hazard that needs to be properly managed.

"Whilst under Conservative control, Barnet Council undertook a fantastic project in Montrose Park that acts as an upstream catchment area so that excessive rainfall is held back by natural reservoirs along the stream's route, ensuring a steadier flow downstream. I look forward to receiving a copy of the new business case document that will provide my constituents with greater certainty in times of heavy rain.”