Overhaul Wallington bridge drainage system to avoid flood, says councillor (From Sutton Guardian)

Overhaul Wallington bridge drainage system to avoid flood, says councillor

9:20am Saturday 4th July 2009

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Calls are growing for drainage systems to be overhauled before a motorist drowns in floodwaters under Wallington railway bridge.

The Sutton Guardian reported last week how a woman needed rescuing from a sinking car for the second time in two years.

While driver error was partly to blame, Manor Road still had to be closed as 7ft of water flooded beneath the railway arch.

Councillor Paul Scully, Conservative group leader, said: “The Lib Dem-run council is neglecting its duties to keep drains and gullies clear. “Blockages aren’t just a nuisance, as the railway bridge incident shows.

At their extreme, they have life-threatening consequences.”

Councillor Colin Hall, executive member for environment, said gullies in flood-risk areas were inspected each month.

He added: “Due to the area’s topography, Wallington road bridge is liable to flash-flooding during heavy rain.

“Structural changes to the bridge and road are simply not possible, so instead the focus is on gully clearance.

“Gullies in Woodcote Road and Manor Road were cleaned at the end of May and beginning of June but, despite running clear, cannot cope with enormous volumes of water in a short time.”

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