Plan to demolish all homes where woman died in flood

Every house on a street where an 83-year-old woman drowned after water filled her home during a flood in Storm Babet could be demolished under new plans.

Maureen Gilbert died after her house in Tapton Terrace, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, was flooded in October 2023 when the nearby River Rother burst its banks.

At an inquest into her death, the coroner said the street - which comprises 26 houses and lies next to the River Rother - was as much of a risk to life as it had been when it first flooded in 2007.

Chesterfield Borough Council and the Environment Agency have said buying and demolishing all 26 homes was the "only effective and viable long-term solution to keep residents safe".

The River Rother burst its banks at multiple points in Chesterfield as the UK was battered by Storm Babet.

About 400 properties in Chesterfield were flooded, including Gilbert's home, which is two doors up from the house she had been born in, and on the street she had lived on all her life.

Representatives from the council have spoken to Tapton Terrace residents this week and are starting a process of tailored support for each household.

Lyn Peart, EA area director for Yorkshire, said: "We understand just how devastating flooding can be for individuals, families and the wider community, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected.

"Following the coroner's prevention of future deaths report, we have worked closely and urgently with partners to ensure that reducing the flood risk for residents at Tapton Terrace is a clear and immediate priority.

"We have been working hand‑in‑hand with Chesterfield Borough Council to identify a solution that offers long-term protection and will continue to support the council and residents every step of the way as this vital project progresses."

The inquest into Gilbert's death heard council workers - who were delivering sandbags to the low-lying street - had raised the alarm to 999 earlier that day that an elderly resident was in the property.

Gilbert's son Paul had later spoken to his mother by phone, and been told "the water is coming in". He lost contact and called the emergency services.

Fire crews and then a specialist water rescue team had attended and attempted to come to her aid twice.

However, due to the dangerous conditions, with high waters meaning the rescue teams were "fully buoyant" while trying to reach the property, falling light levels and difficulties gaining access to the property, a decision was made to leave the scene and return the following morning after the sun had risen.

Gilbert was found "floating in the water" by her son on 21 October 2023.

During his short narrative conclusion, the coroner said Tapton Terrace "remains vulnerable to flooding" and that this "gives rise to a risk to life, particularly in respect of residents who may be elderly, vulnerable or immobile".

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