The Walsworth Flood: Timeline of Events at WCC

In the week beginning 23rd September 2024, Walsworth faced a severe flood event due to heavy rains over a short period, causing the River Purwell to overflow its banks. The sudden surge overwhelmed local drains, which were unable to handle the sheer volume of water, leading to backflow and significant street flooding.

Forty-five properties were impacted, leaving residents facing devastating losses, with homes uninhabitable for months.

Walsworth Community Centre also suffered damage despite sandbag barriers, with floodwater entering through doors, drains, and even the brickwork at six different points. The Main Hall endured major damage to the flooring, while other areas sustained minor damage to skirting boards, bookshelves, and doors.

The Main Hall is closed for repairs until approximately the end of February 2025.

A limited schedule for certain classes is continuing in the Meeting Room. Those interested are encouraged to contact class organisers directly to confirm current schedules. At this time, we do not accept new regluar or one-off bookings until the Centre’s full reopening, with the exact date yet to be determined.

This is our timeline of events at Walsworth Community Centre:

Monday, 22nd September 2024 - first flooding

• Water breached the Main Entrance door, resulting in minor flooding in the Lobby area.
• Due to a road closure near the train station, traffic was rerouted via Woolgrove Road.
• Increased traffic flow past the Community Centre caused waves to hit the main entrance doors, worsening the water ingress until emergency services started pumping.

Tuesday, 23rd September 2024 - reopening

• Emergency services successfully pumped the floodwater, Woogrove Road outside WCC was cleared.
• We reopened in time for the evening class and were able to run as scheduled for the next few days.

Friday 27th September 2024 - 2nd flooding

• Heavy rains overnight, adding to flood risks already present in the area.
• The barriers were already breached and the Lobby flooded by the time the available volunteers arrived from 7am to battle the rising water with buckets, dustpans and towels, working diligently until 1:30pm to minimise damage. Additional sandbags were purchased and put in place
• Flood levels kept rising until around 9.30-10am, reaching more doors and breaching them. Floodwater also backed up through the toilets.
• Flood Impact: The Lobby, Main Hall, its kitchen, storage rooms and toilet areas were submerged up to about an inch high, with floodwaters outside reaching approximately 15 cm at the front of the building.
• Woolgrove Road was closed this time, preventing further wave impact from diverted traffic.
• Emergency Response:
  • Emergency services pumped millions of litres of water from the flooded area and distributed additional sandbags.

Saturday, 28th September 2024 & Sunday, 29th September 2024

Roads were cleared and there was some relief from the rainy weather with a sunny, calm weekend. However, more rain was forecast to start late on Sunday, emergency services prepared more sandbags for the locals to help themselves to. More barriers were created at WCC and stayed in place for the coming week. Luckily, there was no more flooding for the time being. 

Rugs and Doormats have been professionally cleaned and treated immediately following the flooding. We would like to thank Vista Carpet Cleaning for their professional and quick help with this.

A dehumidifier has been operational for two weeks to dry out the Lobby. 

October 2024

Next to minor damage to skirting boards, doors, seals etc, we have identified significant damage to the Main Hall parquet floor after the second flood, with warping reaching up to almost a foot high, cracking and bricks popping out, making it unsalvageable.

November 2024

Removal of the Main Hall flooring began on October 30th and has now been completed. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Osborne of Osborne Woodcare Ltd for his excellent work and expertise during this process.

Affected areas continue to dry out as part of the recovery process.

December 2024

7.12. - A survey was conducted in early November, and we are currently awaiting the report, lab results, and feedback from our insurance provider. Progress on this front unfortunately has been slower than anticipated.

In the meantime, we have proactively met with several companies and contractors to gather quotes for potential repairs and works. This will allow us to move forward swiftly once we receive confirmation from the insurance.

Additionally, we are exploring options for future flood-proofing measures for the premises. Given the circumstances, we recognise that this may not be an isolated event and are taking steps to mitigate similar risks in the future.

20.12. - We have received the green light to proceed with works in the kitchen and storage room flooring. The removal of units and appliances in both areas, as well as the uplifting and disposal of the old flooring, has now been completed. 

A huge thank you to JST Home Improvements for their fantastic work.

Now that the old flooring has been removed, these areas can continue to dry out more effectively in preparation for the installation of new flooring in the new year.

January 2025

We are making progress with booking in dates for outstanding works to take place during February.

February 2025

Most of the outstanding major works are taking place this month - we are a big step closer to reopening!

4.2. - New flooring has been fitted in the Main Hall kitchen, and storage room. Big thanks to Roysia Flooring LTD for their work!

10.2. - The kitchen units and appliances are back in place, and some of the finishing touches have been completed, including touching up the storage room walls, applying new sealant around the Lobby edges, and installing a new heavy-duty storage shelf.

Ongoing - Work on the main hall flooring is currently underway. This is a major project requiring several preparation sessions spread over multiple days before the new flooring can be installed.

WCC was mentioned in BBC online articles on 2nd October and 15th November

Our Chair of Trustees gave a live interview on BBC Four Counties Radio on 3rd October