Flying sheds, detached roofs, fallen fences, damaged trees and 100mph gusts in the wake of Storm Éowyn, writes Sue Reece, could lead many residents to think that they were in a scene from the Wizard of Oz: “Toto I don’t think we are in Chilton anymore”.
As always, with a strong community spirit, local volunteers came out to secure unsafe areas, putting up warning notices and assisting with the clean-up.
Particular thanks to Jimmy Tyres, Cllr David English and his father Ben, for their swift on the scene response to ensure members of the community didn’t get injured by falling debris.
Éowyn may have been one of the strongest storms that we have seen hit the UK in the last 10 years, and in some regions 20-30 years, but it is unlikely to be the last.
The Met Office states: ”In future most climate projections indicate winter storms will slightly increase in number and intensity over the UK.
“There is already warning in place for Storm Herminia moving in from the southwest as Éowyn passes.
“Advice is that before a storm, secure all loose objects, close and fasten doors and windows, park vehicles in garages or away from buildings or trees.
“During the storm stay indoors as much as possible, and if you do go out try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees, keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences.
“If these structures fail, they will collapse on the sheltered side.
“Do not drive unless your journey is necessary and, if you do, take care when driving on exposed routes.
“After the storm, be careful around damaged structures and debris and please check on vulnerable neighbours.
“Storms are complex systems and modelling the influences behind them is difficult.
“They are likely to be affected by changes in sea surface temperatures, extent of sea ice and the position and strength of the jet stream, so the warming water in the North Atlantic could potentially increase the risk of more ex-tropical storms directed across the UK.”
The pupils of Chilton Academy and Elemore Hall School (Chilton), prompted by the storm to think about the potential impact of climate change on their local environment, are assessing what they could do as part of the Neighbourhood Plan to improve sustainability: saving energy through low carbon alternative for heating and transport alongside providing access to green spaces, woodland and parks that promote wellbeing and improve biodiversity.
Over the next few months, they will be doing local walkabouts to identify the buildings, spaces and places that could be improved and will feed their ideas into our plans for future developments.
These young ‘Changemakers for Chilton’ are very much following the mantra of “act locally, think globally.”
After all, “there’s no place like home!”
For more information on the Neighbourhood Plan and how you can get involved in developing a green infrastructure contact: neigbourhoodplan[@]chiltondurham-tc[.]gov[.]uk.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
