For years, the culvert on Cemetery Road in Binstead has been the centre of attention when it comes to flooding in the area.
In 2014, it was thought by some to have attributed to the flooding. However, a recent CCTV survey requested by Councillor Ian Dore has revealed it’s completely clear and running properly.
Councillor Dore said,
“If you trawl back through the historic meetings and conversations, a lot of emphasis was put on the culvert, holding it up as a culprit.
“The evidence collated though, simply doesn’t support that claim. That said, a belts and braces approach was to check the condition and in doing so, allay fears.
“I asked Southern Water who have duly obliged, with them carrying out a full CCTV inspection of the 114 metre path it takes. It’s fully functioning, with no blockages or debris, just how it should be.”
Although it was a recommendation in the S19 Flood report of 2014, then referenced in the Surface Water Plan of 2015, it was unclear whether a full CCTV survey had ever been carried out.
If Southern Water could not provide the survey, Councillor Dore had also submitted a Public Realm Funding application to Ryde Town Council, seeking funds to have the survey done.
Chaired by Councillor Simon Cooke who was present at the recent PFR public meeting in Binstead, the Community Planning subcommittee had recommended the funding last week, but thankfully it wasn’t needed, and the request subsequently withdrawn from Full Committee.
Councillor Dore added,
“Ryde Town Council are keen to support residents and the committee must be thanked for their support.
“However, Southern Water have done their job with meticulous detail here and the survey reveals no issues whatsoever.
“In the 2022 S19 flooding report, residents describe the stress and impact on mental health, that has occurred due to flooding.
“They are quite understandably concerned about future flooding events with many explaining their anxiety. One would hope that knowing the culvert is completely clear and operating properly, may alleviate some of that. Especially as so much focus was drawn to it in past years.
“The evidence has always led to one conclusion and that is to succeed and protect, you need to slow down the water upstream.
“Coupled in with the PFR work that is currently ongoing, resident riparian repairs, regular gully cleaning and other elements to come such as the sustainable drainage systems (SuDs), excellent progress is at last being made to protect residents from flooding. The fight continues.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
