Deluge of spoof images mock railway station flooding
A PARODY Twitter account with a bio that includes “come on in, the water is grim”, has appeared on social media making light of the extensive and recurring flooding in a well-known area of Blackwater.
The satire, which is not intended to be malicious, is making light of the trials and tribulations faced by commuters every time they want to visit Blackwater Railway Station and it rains heavily.
Affectionately referred to as Blackwater-on-Sea, there are several graphics depicting the many potential uses for the almost permanent reservoir such as it being a valuable resource during droughts and as a location to film a new nature series.
Russian submarines, plug holes, tacky seaside shops, water slides and even Blackpool Pleasure Beach has been Photoshopped on images taken of the flooding.
The creator of the Twitter account said: “The account was set up as a bit of fun, but also to keep the issue alive as it will not just go away without intervention.
“I had reached out to Hampshire County Council in September, and to be fair to them they sent a detailed reply explaining that it could be a complex problem to solve as water could run underneath the railway, so may need Network Rail to be involved. At one point last year I had to take [my] shoes and socks off to wade through.”
Great Western Railway had been made aware of the continued flooding by people tweeting about it. The creator of the account added: “Even though it has been what I feel is good humoured banter at the end of the day, and not at all malicious, I just want it resolved for everyone who uses the station.”
A spokesman for Great Western Railway said: “This area is owned and controlled by the council and when it does flood, we inform them so that they are able to respond accordingly. In terms of any longerterm plans, this is very much for the council to comment on.”
Hampshire County Councillor Rob Humby, executive member for economy, transport and environment said: “Following intense rainfall at the beginning of October, our highways team brought in a drainage tanker to Blackwater Railway Station to pump the excess water away. We are currently carrying out investigations to identify the underlying cause of the problem and liaising with Network Rail.
“In the meantime, our highways teams will continue to check the site to clear surface water after heavy rainfall. When we are clear of the cause of the flooding we can then look at more permanent solutions”
To see the parody account, visit Twitter @blackwateronsea