DERT and Drains a Combined Effort
PR 287For Immediate Release
15 November 2006
The Dynamic Environmental Response Team (DERT) operated by GYB Services, has joined forces with Norfolk County Council (NCC) to tackle the problem of cleaning road drainage gullies.
Recent flooding in and around Great Yarmouth has highlighted the problems of drains not being able to cope with high levels of water.
DERT calls on the assistance of the police to ask householders to remove cars from roads so that the squad can clean and weed streets thoroughly.
“The problem facing County’s drain cleaning teams is the same one we experience when you can’t access places because cars are parked at the side of roads,” explained Street Scene Inspector Terry Bensley who leads the DERT teams.
“It made sense to work together so that their team can clean the gullies when we have had roads cleared for our operation. We plan to work together whenever possible.”
Norfolk County Council has responsibility for road drainage gullies, those which drain into the sewers are the responsibility of Anglian Water.
I am extremely pleased that we now have the opportunity to clear gulleys, once the area has been cleared of traffic for street maintenance,” said Nick Tupper, North Area Manager at Norfolk County Council.
“By working together with Great Yarmouth Borough Council we will be able to offer a more effective road maintenance service.”
Since they began three weeks ago the combined workforce has cleaned streets and drains in Waveney, Cromwell, Queen Anne’s, Wellesley, Euston, Paget, Newcastle and Prince Roads, as well as Camden Place.
Residents in Paget Road were so pleased they rang the Council so say thank you.
Valerie Morgan a member of Homewatch said: “They have done a wonderful job.
“They have even scraped the bits between the pavements. I have tried to do that and know what an effort it takes.
“We have problems with fly-tipping and the passage at the back of the house looked so awful. I wouldn’t have wanted to take the dog down there. Now it looks really good - so I want to say thank you.”
Another Homewatch member Kenneth Carroll was also delighted: “Paget Road looks like new,” he exclaimed. “They have even cleared the drains something I have asked for in the past, so I am glad it has happened.”
Gorleston is targeted for the New Year.
For further information contact Street Scene Inspector Terry Bensley on 01493 846144, or GYB Services Director Graham Jermyn on 01493 846465. Contact at Norfolk County Council are Nick Tupper, North Area Manager at Norfolk County Council on 01263 738314, or Melanie Dye, Planning & Transport Communications Officer on 01693 224222.
Issued by:
Liz Dann
Press Officer
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
01493 846513