Coldham Hall pub forced to use canoes amid worsening floods

The Coldham Hall pub in Surlingham was forced to close for two days this week as rising tides and flood water swallowed access roads and lanes to and from other homes and businesses in the area. 

The pub lies in the "Carnser", a low-lying causeway that is prone to flooding which has been repeated and worsening in recent years due to "ill management".

Deliveries were loaded onto a canoe and paddled to the stranded pub (Image: Coldham Hall)

Harry Linder, manager of Coldham Hall, said: "In the 15 years we have been here the flooding situation has got progressively worse.

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"The RSPB intends to return the marshes to wetland, which means that the access road to the pub, Coldham Hall Sailing Club and nearby residents are now under constant threat of flooding.

"Even the summer brought floods in August which have never happened before.

Coldham Hall was unable to open for two days this week due to the flooded roads (Image: Coldham Hall)

"We all seem to be left to flounder in ever-increasing incidents of flood and continual closure of the pub.

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"This situation is putting jobs and livelihoods at risk."

Other Surlingham homeowners have been unable to leave their houses to get to work (Image: Jacquie Jenner)

The sentiment was echoed by one of Coldham's neighbours, Jacquie Jenner, who said: "Yesterday I waded through the water to get to work in Norwich.

"I have my own private practice in Cathedral Close and may have to close my business because I am having to cancel clients on a daily basis.

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"In October we had 17 days of continuous flooding. I cannot continue to wade through very cold water at 63 years of age."

Jacquie Jenner, 63, is losing business because of the flooding (Image: Jacquie Jenner)

Both parties highlighted difficulties in using local private roads which are the responsibility of the RSPB and Wellington Pub Company - which own Coldham Hall - to keep clear and open. 

Mr Linder added: "Neither are interested in ensuring access for the people of the Carnser and have repeatedly ignored pleas for help over the last eight years when it was first brought to their attention."

Both have been approached for comment.