Anti flood plans are laid for Wisbech

Anti flood plans have been put in place in the Waterlees area of Wisbech thanks to teamwork between a newly formed flood warden group and local councillors.

Soakaways were cleared in readiness for the winter rains thanks to the team work.

UKIP councillor Paul Clapp said: “For many years residents have been experiencing serious problems after heavy rains in Waterlees and in particular Grosvenor Road.

“The road floods, cars cause serious dirty spray into residents gardens and people had even presented a petition many years ago to have the soakaways cleared.

“In the long term, we would like the soakaways replaced by Roddons who own many of the properties in this road, with a proper drainage system, but this is a good start in preparation for the heavy rains,” said Cllr Clapp.

“Drainage repairs have now been undertaken in Southwell Road. Anglia Water had also undertaken pressure treatment to the Tinkers Road drains but further camera examination was being carried out as this had not entirely resolved the problem”.

Andy Olive, a coordinator with the recently formed Wisbech Flood Wardens Group said: “We had to put road signs up again earlier in the week warning motorists not to speed along Grosvenor Road due to the problems this creates following heavy rains.

“This will be a help and make a great difference and should alleviate the immediate problem.”

Cllr Alan Lay said they were consulting closely with the local district councillors, Michael and Virginia Bucknor, Anglia Water as well as the County’s highways department to consider what action to take to deal with the numerous soakaways and drainage problems in Waterlees.

He said: “We’re very pleased that action is now being taken.”