Local Water Gullies Targeted For Cleansing

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Aim to reduce the chance of flooding

Water gullies in Colliers Wood, Raynes Park and Mitcham have been targeted for cleansing during the recent heavy rainfall.

Merton Council has been working with gully cleansing experts FM Conway to help keep the borough’s highway drains clear and reduce the chances of flooding.

The council says its increased the number of priority gullies to be cleansed across the borough this winter to 5,450 from 4,795 in 2014/2015.

In a recent public consultation on the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, residents and businesses responded to say that gully cleansing is considered to be the top priority for the council in its efforts to reduce flood risk

Councillors Nick Draper and Andrew Judge joined the Conway’s cleaning team at the River Wandle in Colliers Wood to see the specialist cleaning kit in action as it sucked up dirt, leaves and litter.

Merton Council cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration Councillor Andrew Judge said: “The risk of flooding is ever present so it’s essential that we do our utmost to protect our residents by ensuring that areas that are susceptible to flooding are well maintained and regularly attended to.

“We can all do our bit too. Having grass or a porous surface in your garden instead of concrete allows for water to soak and drain away easily  and taking rubbish home rather than dropping it on the street would go some way to ensuring our roads and drains are kept clear.”

For more information on managing flood risk in Merton, visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/flooding.

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January 22, 2016