Still more to do for flood protection (Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats)

Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal Democrats <info@newcastle-libdems.org.uk>

Still more to do for flood protection

January 25, 2012 8:09 AM

Despite the investment in recent years by Northumbrian Water on improving sewer capacity to protect against flooding in the Red House Farm area, there's still work to be done to satisfy local residents and councillors.

"Northumbrian Water continues to refuse to accept the need for standby pumps at the top of Acomb Crescent in case of extreme storm emergencies" says Councillor David Faulkner. We will continue to press them but if the answer is still no then we will insist that the council makes the commitment and covers the cost. This has been dragging on for too long and must be sorted out soon." The Council has been informed that NW is doing more work on what they call "sustainable sewerage" which includes looking to remove surface water from sewer networks.

"The Environment Agency has a twice-yearly maintenance schedule to clear the Ouseburn of obstructions but for some reason is happy to leave rubbish such as old tyres in the burn. Even if we accept the EA's dubious argument that this material won't contribute to flooding, they're still an eyesore and should be removed" says David Faulkner. "The game of ping-pong between the EA and the council on responsibility for this is rightly irritating residents and must end.".

Last year the White Bridge and the Allotment bridge were both raised to improve the Ouseburn's flow - next will be the iron bridge north of Acomb Crescent. It's also intended to improve access across the bridge for prams and buggies which is currently quite difficult.

The installation of the £100,000 permeable water channel at Acomb Crescent was completed last year and a report sent to DEFRA who funded it. It will certainly make some contribution to flood protection. New arrangements to independently inspect and authorise operation of the SUDS (the overflow ponds) have been put in place.