Published 8/10/2026 By William Turtle-Clark

Angry villagers turned out in force to express frustration at being "abandoned" nearly a year after devastating floods forced residents from their homes in Ewyas Harold.

A public meeting at Ewyas Harold Memorial Hall saw South Herefordshire MP Jesse Norman hear directly from concerned locals following the November 2025 floods, which caused the Dulas Brook to reach record levels.

Residents reported being unable to sell or insure their properties, with one flood victim revealing that repair costs have exceeded £100,000 while they remain unable to return home. "Nothing seems to be done at all," one villager noted, while local resident John Collins joked: "If there were enough of us, would they take us all to court?" after several attendees suggested carrying out remedial works themselves.

Parish Councillor Tony Ling explained that a plan submitted to the Environment Agency in February proposed widening and deepening the river, bridge maintenance, and tree planting. However, following a site walk-through, officials from the Environment Agency and Herefordshire Council "effectively gave us every reason under the sun" why work could not proceed. Councillor Ling highlighted a "stark contrast" between flood defence works delivered by Natural Resources Wales in nearby Monmouth and the "lack of engagement and the lack of progress" from English authorities.

Mr Norman criticized the official response, stating that taking two months to reply to his correspondence was "completely unacceptable at every level" and remarking that the handling of the situation "had not been an advert for the effectiveness of democracy".

Addressing the hall, County Councillor Daniel Hurcomb confirmed the local authority has a £2 million flood management budget, with funding earmarked for Ewyas Harold projects once preliminary issues are resolved. However, Councillor Ling questioned why no significant work had materialized nearly a year on, with seasonal flooding risks looming next month.

Commenting on the frustration raised, Councillor Phillip Price remarked that "Johnny Price is needed with a digger," referencing the Kingsland farmer jailed in 2023 for unpermitted work on the River Lugg. Councillor Price added that he is meeting the regional flood committee to advocate for increased funding, assuring residents that the council cabinet is taking the matter "head on".

An Environment Agency spokesperson stated that last winter's flooding presented an "unprecedented challenge" for Ewyas Harold, confirming they continue to work alongside affected residents.