Councillor Eric Neal, chairman of Hart and Rushmoor HATs.
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£1.4m spent on drainage clearance
By Rebecca Connop PriceApril 02, 2009
More than £1.4million has been spent clearing debris from gullies and drains in north-east Hampshire.
The work was designed to prevent clogged drains from contributing to flooding problems.
Since July 2008, nearly all of the 10,200 gullies in Aldershot and Farnborough have been cleared and about 85% of the 18,000 gullies in the Hart area have been cleared. Hampshire County Council’s highways department wants to make sure that every gully is cleared once a year.
The work was reported to councillors at a recent Hart and Rushmoor Hampshire Action Team (HAT) meeting.
The work carried out since April 2006 has included improving the highway surface water drainage, cleaning existing systems, repairing damaged pipes and removing blockages. The highways department has also worked with the Environment Agency, Rushmoor Borough Council, Hart District Council and relevant parish councils to improve drainage systems that interlink.
The chairman of Hart and Rushmoor HAT, Cllr Eric Neal, said: “[The rain in July 2007] was an unprecedented downpour and we have tried to alleviate that problem, but we won’t do away with it completely,” he said.
Cllr Neal said the work had been a “massive undertaking”.
“Keeping drains clean and clear is a significant factor in preventing flooding on our roads and, in turn, keeping people safe and protecting properties. It is reassuring to know that there is an ongoing programme of gully clearance and drains maintenance.
“The costs for this may seem high, but, in reality, it is a small price to pay; a serious flooding episode due to poorly maintained highway drainage would be far more costly,” he said.
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