Call for Scrutiny Panel investigation into the flooding problems in Redcar

From our back door on Friday

From our front door on Friday

Posted by Chris.

I have sent in the following request for a Scrutiny Panel investigation into the flooding problems in Redcar and the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland as a whole.

I find that there seems to be a certain amount of concern about whether enough is being done by the relevant authorities to reduce the threat of flooding, which is devastating to those it keeps happening to.

I would like to suggest that a Scrutiny Panel is set up to investigate the problem of flooding in the Borough as a whole and would be obliged if you will forward this for consideration.

Residents have a number of theories about what is going wrong and it they need to be investigated.

1. Is the Council carrying out gully clearing often enough and in some areas is it being done at all?

2. There are underground streams which were culverted in years gone by but are they capable of handling the type of rainfall we occasionally get nowadays? I understand the West Dyke, which runs through Locke Park also meanders around the area of Mersey Road which is prone to flooding. The same properties are affected this time.

3. Protection of wild fowl habitats on Coatham Marsh is a wonderful thing but is the water that is being held back for their benefit contributing to the problem of flooding? Are sluice gates being kept closed to prevent water draining away?

4. I understand that Northumbrian Water recently carried out major drainage works in the corner of Locke Park where it meets the junction of Corporation Road and Kirkleatham Lane. Major flooding occurred there. What were these drainage works and have they been successful.

5. More and more concrete is placed on the ground in the Borough. As years go by is the drainage system capable of dealing with this? Are there areas where water has nowhere to run off?

6. Is the drainage system in the older parts of Redcar and other areas of the Borough capable of dealing with all the extra housing that has been built and is planned in the future?

Have you got a picture of the foods in Redcar? Email me and we will publish them in this blog.