Chesterfield Flooding Tragedy Highlights Lack of Defences Amid Storm Babet
Published 1 September 2025
Highlights
- Maureen Gilbert, 83, drowned in her Chesterfield home during Storm Babet due to a lack of formal flood defences.
- The River Rother overflowed, affecting about 400 homes, with Gilbert being one of seven fatalities from the storm.
- Environment Agency's Neil Longden cited funding and planning challenges as reasons for the absence of flood defences.
- A storage reservoir installed in 2018 was the only significant flood prevention measure since severe flooding in 2007.
- The inquest into Gilbert's death is ongoing, with Derbyshire police handling the investigation locally.
The tragic death of Maureen Gilbert, an 83-year-old resident of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, during the recent Storm Babet has brought to light the critical issue of inadequate flood defences in vulnerable areas. Gilbert was found deceased in her home on Tapton Terrace on October 21, 2023, after the River Rother burst its banks, causing severe flooding.
Inquest Reveals Lack of Flood Defences
At the inquest held at Chesterfield Coroner's Court, Neil Longden, operations manager for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, testified about the absence of formal flood defences in the area. He explained that while solutions exist, financial constraints and planning hurdles often impede their implementation. "There is a feasible solution to the problem but funding, and potentially the planning process, may put that at risk," Longden stated.
Impact of Storm Babet
Storm Babet, described by Longden as "one of the most significant storms" he has encountered, led to the evacuation of approximately 400 homes in Chesterfield. The storm's intensity left thousands without power across the UK and resulted in seven fatalities, including Gilbert. Her son, Paul Gilbert, recounted the harrowing experience of finding his mother "floating in the water" after emergency services were unable to reach her in time.
Historical Context and Current Measures
The inquest heard that a storage reservoir, designed to mitigate peak water flow during heavy rainfall, was installed downstream of the River Rother in 2018. This measure was the only significant step taken since the severe flooding in 2007. Despite these efforts, the lack of comprehensive flood defences remains a pressing concern for residents like Paul Gilbert, who have resorted to makeshift solutions to protect their homes.
What this might mean
As the inquest continues, the focus remains on understanding the systemic challenges in flood risk management across the UK. The Environment Agency's acknowledgment of funding and planning obstacles highlights the need for a coordinated national strategy to address flood risks in vulnerable areas. The outcome of the inquest could prompt a reevaluation of current policies and potentially lead to increased investment in flood defences. Meanwhile, local authorities and residents are left grappling with the aftermath of Storm Babet, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions to prevent future tragedies.
