COUNCIL highways bosses have taken the wraps off an ambitious £2.5million programme to improve hundreds of drains and gullies across Worcestershire.
The work aims to reduce the risk of flooding across the county with highways officers tackling 20 countrywide ‘wetspots’ – areas which have often flooded in autumn and winter.
Additional funding will mean a number of trash screens, which prevent drains becoming clogged with leaves and debris, will also be installed.
Coun Alan Amos, cabinet member for Highways and Transport said: ‘’Replacing broken or damaged pipes, installing additional gullies and culverts are just some of the things our highways team will be doing over the coming months across the county.
“These ‘wetspots’ are known areas which cause seasonal issues but are not easily resolved. By working with adjacent landowners and other key stakeholders, measures have been put in place to stop water flowing on to local roads and pavements.
“We’ve had a challenging few years with unprecedented amounts of rain, causing significant flooding issues for many residents.
“So, as well as keeping the gullies clear and clean as part of our general maintenance programme, this extra investment will help to ensure the county’s drainage system is fit for the future,” he added.
The improvements align with the UK’s Flood Action Week and a follow up campaign which will continue until the end of March.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/reportit to report concerns with gullies or drains and www.worcestershire.gov.uk/highwaydrainage for more on how the county’s drainage system works.
