Westleigh flood risk management scheme
Published 1 January 2014
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2014
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Westleigh has flooded several times over the last century from Westleigh Brook. The most recent flooding was in June 2002, when 13 properties on Clifton Street and Corn Street flooded to a depth of 0.4 metres.
Up to 103 properties are at risk of flooding from the brook during severe rain.
1. Yearly inspections
The Environment Agency inspect Westleigh Brook once a year. If they find debris and vegetation causing a flood risk they will remove it.
2. Identifying the causes of flooding in Westleigh
The main cause of flooding in Westleigh is the former road bridge at Clifton Street. The bridge is low and prone to blocking, reducing the amount of water that can flow underneath it.
3. Solution: remove Clifton Street Bridge and build flood defences
The Environment Agency plan to reduce flood risk in the area by removing Clifton Street Bridge.
They plan to build 450 metres of walls and embankments on the banks of Westleigh Brook. They will also demolish Clifton Street Bridge and make improvements to Sportsman Street Bridge and footpath.
The Environment Agency aim to start construction early in 2014 and be complete by the end of the year. They will keep any disruption to a minimum.
4. Alternative routes
Clifton Street Bridge will be unavailable from March 2014. The Environment Agency will be clearing and landscaping the area around Sportsman Street. This is so that pedestrians can use Sportsman Street Bridge as an alternative to Clifton Street Bridge.
Pedestrians will be able to use Twist Lane Bridge as an alternative route to cross the river.
The Environment Agency will also build new access to the local joinery business.
For more information call Raymond Puddephatt on 01925 542298 or e-mail him at raymond.puddephatt@environment-agency.gov.uk