Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: October 8, 2024

Purpose: The report highlights the impacts on highway drainage systems due to the exceptionally wet weather experienced over the 2023/24 winter period which has resulted in significant amounts of soil, grit and debris being washed into highway drainage systems, resulting in an increase in public complaints relating to highway drainage, increased risks to road users from surface water flooding issues and damage to road structures which will create further and more extensive damage to the network this winter due to freeze/thaw cycles if left unresolved. The report details the proposed approach to address the drainage issues in advance of the winter period which would be funded from the severe weather reserve.

Content: RESOLVED that Cabinet approve an intensive programme of ditch cleaning, channel sweeping and gully cleansing activity using external contractors over an ~18 week period starting in late August and running into the winter to address the damage to highways drainage systems and to mitigate the risk of a further increase in highway flooding issues and drainage maintenance requests from occurring over the coming winter period. The cost of this activity would be ~£59,542 per week, totalling ~£1,070,856 for an 18-week period, to be funded from the Council’s Severe Weather Reserve