Work to improve drainage and reduce flood risk for residents in part of Gorleston

Gardens and outbuildings in Burgh Road were flooded from water that backed up in an adjacent drainage dyke following heavy snow and rain earlier this year. This is one of the lowest areas in Gorleston, and the network of dykes and culverts are held in multiple ownerships.

In order to resolve this complex issue for the community, Great Yarmouth Borough Council brought together the various interested parties, including the Internal Drainage Board, Norfolk County Council, Water Management Alliance and Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Allotment Association.

With funding from the various partners, the Water Management Alliance is scheduled to complete work by the end of November to clear the dykes and remove/replace any blocked culverts, which should ensure the free flow of water and alleviate the immediate issue for residents ahead of winter.

In addition, the partners have identified a longer-term, more sustainable solution to improving drainage in this low-lying area. With match-funding from the borough and county councils, the allotment association has submitted a £10,000 bid to the Water, Mills and Marshes Programme, managed by the Broads Authority, to create a sustainable urban drainage feature on their land in the form of a pond or small lake.

This collaborative work has come about through the active involvement of Cllr Carl Smith, chairman of the borough council's environment committee and county councillor, Cllr Marlene Fairhead, St Andrews ward councillor and Waveney, Lower Yare and Lothingland Internal Drainage Board Member, and Cllr Bernard Williamson, Clayon ward councillor.

In a joint statement, they said: "We have responded to residents' concerns and are really pleased to have played a key role in resolving this complex issue by bringing together all the interested parties. The reduced flood risk will make a huge difference to the community with the winter weather on its way, and we look forward to the work being complete. We would like to thank all the partners for their support."