Homes on Flooded Street May Be Demolished Following Woman's Death
Maureen Gilbert, aged 83, died after her residence in Tapton Terrace was inundated during flooding caused by Storm Babet in October 2023.
Every house on Tapton Terrace, a street in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, where Gilbert drowned due to floodwaters entering her home, could face demolition under new proposals.
Gilbert's house was flooded when the nearby River Rother overflowed its banks during the storm. The street comprises 26 houses and is situated adjacent to the river.
At an inquest into Gilbert's death, the coroner stated that the risk to life on Tapton Terrace remains as significant as it was during the initial flooding in 2007.
Chesterfield Borough Council and the Environment Agency have indicated that purchasing and demolishing all 26 properties is the "only effective and viable long-term solution to keep residents safe."
Gilbert's house in Tapton Terrace was covered in mud after the flooding
The River Rother breached its banks at multiple locations in Chesterfield amid the impact of Storm Babet, which affected the United Kingdom.
Approximately 400 properties in Chesterfield experienced flooding, including Gilbert's home, which was located two doors away from the house where she was born and on the street where she had lived her entire life.
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and Further Information
- 'Risk to life' on street where woman drowned in flood
- Crew did not recheck home of drowned woman - inquest
- No flood defences at home of drowned woman - inquest
- Son speaks of heartbreak after mum dies in floods
