Residents in Gorleston to be protected from flooding by improved drainage
Flooding in Burgh Road, Gorleston, from this summer. Picture: George Ryan - Credit: Archant
Residents in Gorleston whose properties were flooded following heavy snow and rain earlier this year are to be protected by improved drainage.
Gardens and outbuildings in Burgh Road were flooded from water which backed up from the adjacent drainage dyke in July.
This is one of the lowest areas in Gorelston and the network of dykes and culverts are held in multiple ownerships.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council will soon start work to improve the land drainage and reduce the risk of flooding for householders.
The borough council has been working closely with related parties including the Internal Drainage Board, Norfolk County Council, Water Management Alliance and Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Allotment Association to find a solution to the flooding.
With funding from the various partners, the Water Management Alliance is scheduled to complete work by the end of November to clear the dykes and remove any blocked culverts. This should ensure the free flow of water and alleviate the immediate issue for residents ahead of winter.
In addition, the partners have identified a longer-term, more sustainable solution to improving drainage in this low-lying area.
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With match-funding from the borough and county councils, the allotment association has submitted a £10,000 bid to the Water, Mills and Marshes Programme, managed by the Broads Authority, to create a sustainable urban drainage feature on their land in the form of a pond or small lake.
This collaborative work has come about through the involvement of Carl Smith, chairman of the borough council’s environment committee, Marlene Fairhead, councillor for St Andrews ward and Waveney, Lower Yare and Lothingland internal drainage board member, and Bernard Williamson, Clayon ward councillor.
In a joint statement, they said: “We have responded to residents’ concerns and are really pleased to have played a key role in resolving this complex issue by bringing together all the interested parties. The reduced flood risk will make a huge difference to the community.”
Dale Miller, general secretary of the allotment association, said: “We are happy to work with all the authorities involved in resolving the issue of flooding in Burgh Road, both in the immediate and longer-term.”
