Thank you to everyone who came to my public meeting in Whiston, I really did appreciate residents taking time out of their weekend to attend. I called the meeting in response to the update on the Lathe Road/Worrygoose Lane housing development, with Avant Homes pulling out from the site. This is good news, but we must not become complacent, as another housing developer could show interest in the future. Unfortunately, Rotherham Council have still not published the flood risk assessment that was used to grant planning permission in the first place. Whiston Residents Action Group – WRAG and myself have been fighting tirelessly for this to be published and will continue to do so. Planning permission for the ‘Sheep Cote Road’ development still stands.

Flooding in Whiston remains an issue and I know that a Flood Alleviation Scheme will be a very welcome addition to the village to reduce flood risk and to protect properties. The scheme will aim to reduce the risk of overflowing riverbanks and will assist drainage during periods of heavy rainfall, which will prevent the flooding of Whiston Brook. Submission of the application has been scheduled for December 2024 and a decision on the planning application is expected during early 2025. You can find out more about the scheme here: https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/…/whiston-brook-flood…/5.

Other matters for discussion included national issues and there was great debate in the room. Thank you to everyone who shared their views.