Surlingham pub landlord resorts to canoe due to floods

A pub landlord forced to use a canoe to transport staff and deliveries said flooding was costing him tens of thousands of pounds annually.

Harry Linder said floods had prevented wedding events at Coldham Hall in Surlingham, Norfolk, over the past two summers, losing him £80,000 a year.

He said the problem was getting worse.

"I've got a truck that can do some pretty good water levels but sometimes it goes too far and we have to use the canoe," he said.

Mr Linder's family took on the pub beside the River Yare 15 years ago, but he said flooding had got worse over the past seven years.

The private road, called The Carnser, that leads to it often floods, leaving the pub inaccessible by vehicle.

Mr Linder is concerned by conservation efforts focused on local wetland habitats, which he fears are worsening the problem.

A marsh on the west of the road was dredged two years ago, but land to the north was not, he said.

"The problem with it all turning into a wetland is that we turn into a wetland as well," he said.

Mr Linder said the pub company initially told him it allowed five days a year for loss of trading due to flooding, but he was now losing 40 to 45 days.

In 2022 he experienced only one flood-free month, July, while in 2023, only August had been dry, he said.

Not knowing if the road would flood has prevented him from hosting weddings, which had brought in the majority of his revenue, he added.

As well as the pub, there are half a dozen homes at the end of the road, plus Coldham Hall Sailing Club.

A BBC reporter recently spoke to a boat owner heading for the sailing club who decided not to attempt to drive along the flooded road to reach his boat.

Gary Corbett, from the sailing club, told the BBC that flooding had caused the cancellation of racing and social events.

"We have had to cancel the last three weeks' Sunday racing out of four and all social sailing over that period as we have not been able to gain access along the Carnser," he said.

"The water levels as reported make it impassable for vehicles and pedestrians unless you wear waders.

"Once there, the water levels in the car parks and around the club house make it difficult, slippery and dangerous."

The stretch of the Carnser prone to flooding is owned by the RSPB and Wellington Pub Company.

An RSPB spokesperson said: "We understand this is a difficult situation and sympathise with the businesses and homes being affected by the recent flooding events in Surlingham.

"The area has been wetland and has regularly flooded, since around 1912. After an unusually wet summer this year combined with recent storm surges this has caused high river levels.

"We are actively engaging with the community to look for a solution. However, as extreme weather events become increasingly common, long-term planning solutions to reduce impacts on businesses and homes are essential."

The Wellington Pub Company has been approached for comment.

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