We are aware and many of you have commented, that the gullies and drains throughout Southwell have not been regularly maintained and are therefore, not ‘fit for purpose’. This became particularly evident on 23rd July, but there are also many reports of isolated incidents due to malfunctioning gullies and drains.
As well as looking at long-term alleviation solutions of our flooding issues, Southwell Flood Forum is concerned that day-to-day maintenance should be carried out in a structured way and monitored with audited records.
We have been working closely with the Nottinghamshire County Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council to urge that the gullies and drains in the most vulnerable, i.e. flood risk areas, in Southwell, are cleaned as a matter of urgency. They will evidently be full of silt and debris, after the flooding, and will now be subject to the autumn fall of leaves.
In order to complete this work thoroughly and competently, it is imperative that the roads are kept free of parked cars on gully/street cleaning days, where on-street parking is prevalent.
The work has started and the Council will be letting us know where and when they will be carrying out their work, so we can pass on this information to you.
As this applies not only to residents but also visitors, we are alerting you, at this stage, to notice who regularly parks in your road who may not be resident, so that they too can be warned when work is to be carried out.
The Street Representatives will put up notices on lampposts etc and deliver notes through house doors, so that everyone is aware they need to park their car elsewhere on a particular date.
It may be worthwhile looking for an alternative temporary parking place in an adjoining road – we hope everyone will understand the necessity for this.
As a community we are individually and jointly responsible to maximise the effect of the Council’s responsibilities.
If you’d be willing to be a Street Representative, please do let us know.
If you have already offered, we will be contacting you, but do feel free to re-confirm your offer if you haven’t heard within a fortnight.
Thank you for your support.
