Tag Archives: floods

Sutton Council responds to Environment Agency flood alert

– Council continues to work with partners to reduce flood risk
– Long term flood prevention work is paying off in Beverly Brook and Wallington Bridge

Sutton Council has extended its sympathies to families affected by flooding across the country as more wet weather is forecasted for this weekend.

The council is continuing to work with partner organisations to manage local flood risk after the Environment Agency issued a low risk flood alert for the River Wandle this morning.

Flooding of low lying land and roads is possible, although Sutton remains largely unaffected despite the water table continuing to increase.

Recent days have seen an escalation of the sustained work between Sutton Council and partners Thames Water and the Environment Agency to identify and tackle potential flood risks.

This work has included reducing the risk of flooding occurring again in Carshalton High Street. This week, Sutton Council blocked an outlet that allows spring water to drain from a pond in Carshalton Park and go underneath the High Street. By blocking the outlet, the water is now channelled to Carshalton Ponds instead, and so far the High Street has not flooded again.

The council is also monitoring water levels around two Carshalton schools. This week it arranged for water to be drawn from Wrythe Lane in Carshalton after the rain caused surface water to collect in the road and outside Carshalton High School for Girls. The council is also working with All Saints Carshalton CE Primary School to monitor the level of the adjacent Grotto Canal.

Longer term prevention work undertaken by Sutton Council and partners in areas including Beverly Brook and Wallington Bridge is also paying off.

Both areas had flooded in the past and, as a result, Sutton Council lobbied the Environment Agency for and part funded a £1.7m flood alleviation scheme for Beverly Brook which was completed 18 months ago.

The A237 under Wallington Bridge has also stayed dry after Sutton Council introduced soak away chambers in neighbouring Woodcote Road and Manor Road to remove surface water. Previously the water collected under the bridge to a depth of over a metre.

Although risk of flooding to properties is currently low, residents and businesses are asked to be vigilant and to prepare a flood plan in order to protect themselves, family, pets and property. People are also asked to look out for neighbours who are vulnerable and who may need additional support.

Niall Bolger, Chief Executive of Sutton Council, said:
“Everyone would have seen the news about the devastating effect of flooding and our sympathy goes out to all those affected.
“We all need to be vigilant and do our part in informing the Environment Agency of any flooding problems and of course to be prepared ourselves.
“All of the agencies are working hard to reduce the flood risk in Sutton as much as we can and so far we have been largely unaffected. That situation can change very quickly so it is important residents monitor the Environment Agency website updates.”

People should keep a regular eye on local water levels and weather conditions, and monitor the local news for updates and alerts.

Anyone who is worried about flooding should contact the Environment Agency via:
• Floodline: 0845 988 1188
• Twitter: @EnvAgency
• Website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Homes or businesses experiencing loss of power should contact:
• UK Power Networks (emergencies and power cuts) on 0800 028 0247 or via Twitter @UKPowerNetworks
• National Grid (Gas emergency) on 0800 111 999 or via Twitter @nationalgriduk

Street flooding caused by overflowing drains should be reported to the council using the ‘report it’ feature on their website www.sutton.gov.uk or by calling 020 8770 5000.

Advice on flooding and contacts for the Environment Agency and other services are also available on the council’s website www.sutton.gov.uk