A recent flooding incident at AFC Wimbledon’s Cherry Red Records Stadium has sparked a heated debate, with a local campaign group describing the disaster as “totally predictable.” Over 100,000 litres of water had to be pumped from the ground after heavy rains caused drains to back up, leaving parts of the stadium under water. The incident, which occurred overnight on 22 September, has led to widespread concern about the infrastructure and long-term sustainability of the stadium.
Michael Burnage, a representative of the Save Wimbledon Stadium Action Group, expressed frustration with the situation, claiming that the flooding was an expected consequence of poor planning and infrastructural oversights. His comments have amplified calls for more comprehensive flood prevention measures and a reassessment of planning decisions made by the local authorities.
The Flooding Incident
The flooding at AFC Wimbledon’s Cherry Red Records Stadium occurred after an intense bout of heavy rain, which overwhelmed the stadium’s drainage system. Over 100,000 litres of water accumulated, with large areas of the stadium, including the pitch and surrounding facilities, submerged. Club officials worked swiftly to address the problem, pumping the water out and assessing the damage caused. Despite their efforts, the event raised significant concerns about the stadium’s ability to cope with extreme weather conditions in the future.
Michael Burnage and other members of the Save Wimbledon Stadium Action Group had repeatedly warned that the site was prone to flooding. The group has been vocal about their belief that the stadium’s infrastructure was insufficient to cope with extreme weather events, particularly in light of climate change and increasing rainfall patterns.
Local Authorities and Environmental Concerns
The Environment Agency, when asked about the flooding, was quick to clarify that the responsibility for planning decisions lies with local authorities, not their agency.
A spokesperson for Merton Council acknowledged the severity of the flooding but defended the planning process. “It is sad to see the damage and disruption caused by the flooding, but all necessary precautions were taken during the planning stages of the stadium’s construction,” the spokesperson said. “We will continue to work with the club to mitigate future risks and ensure that any repairs or improvements are made promptly.”
The council’s response, however, has not satisfied critics like Burnage. He believes that local authorities failed to properly account for the potential risks posed by the location of the stadium and the existing drainage systems in the area.
AFC Wimbledon’s Response
AFC Wimbledon has acknowledged the severity of the flooding and expressed concern over the potential long-term impact on the stadium and match schedules. The club has reassured fans that they are working diligently to repair the damage and are exploring ways to prevent future incidents. A statement from the club emphasized that the safety and wellbeing of supporters and staff remain their top priority.
“We are working closely with local authorities and contractors to address the flooding and ensure that the stadium is ready to use for the upcoming matches. Our focus is on finding a long-term solution to prevent future flooding and keep our stadium safe and operational,” the statement read.
In the short term, the club will likely invest in improved drainage systems and emergency flood prevention measures. However, the flooding has raised questions about the viability of the current site and whether additional infrastructure investments will be necessary to future-proof the stadium.
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