Rutland Council Ramps Up Winter Flooding Prevention Efforts

Rutland Council Ramps Up Winter Flooding Prevention Efforts

Rutland County Council is taking proactive steps to minimise the risk of flooding in the region as the winter months approach. The Council's Highways Service, in partnership its new contractor Thomas Bow Ltd, is implementing a comprehensive program to inspect and clear over 4,000 gullies across the county's 400-mile road network.

This annual maintenance initiative is part of the Council's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and functionality of Rutland's roads during adverse weather conditions. In addition to gully cleaning, the program includes roadside verge drainage grip cutting to facilitate water runoff.

Cllr Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Communities, emphasized the importance of these preventative measures, stating, "Memories of the recent floods are still fresh in many people’s minds. We’ve been working tirelessly to maintain the local highway network and drainage systems. By increasing our efforts now, we aim to reduce the risk of flooding as we head into winter."

While the Council is actively addressing the issue, it also encourages residents and businesses to be prepared for potential flooding. The recent floods highlighted the need for community resilience and personal preparedness.

In response to the changing climate and increased frequency of severe weather events, Rutland County Council is expanding its efforts to mitigate flood risk. The Council is recruiting a dedicated Flood Risk Officer and a Sustainability and Climate Change Officer to support its work in this area.

The importance of these roles is underscored by the Met Office's data, which revealed Rutland as one of the ten areas in England to experience the wettest September on record since 1836.

To gain a deeper understanding of local flooding patterns and identify potential solutions, the Council has initiated a Section19 investigation in Whitwell, one of the hardest-hit areas during the recent floods. This investigation involves camera surveys of drains connected to the A606 and Exton Road to gather information about the causes of flooding and inform future flood mitigation strategies.