Blocked grids, Spring Gardens Leek
I refer to the petition, signed by local residents regarding blocked grids, in Spring Gardens, Leek. I can advise you that receipt of the petition will be reported to Cllr Helen Fisher, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport.
The council is aware of local reports about ponding water on Spring Gardens. The site received a highway safety inspection earlier this year and an ad hoc works task has been raised for the gullies here to be cleansed and jetted. The problems identified by the inspector were not deemed to be posing any imminent risk to safety however, and the non-urgent works will therefore be completed either as resources allow, or; as part of cyclical maintenance works.
In urban areas highway gullies often work together as a network to drain the highway. Depending on the gradient of the road and number of surrounding gullies the network will work effectively for the majority of the time even if some of the gullies have individually become blocked. Unless standing-water is occurring on a regular basis and presenting a particular risk to road users, in the majority of cases it is most logical for reported blocked gullies to simply be emptied as part of the routine gully cleansing programme.
During 2018-2019 we began a new programme of gully emptying and the gullies on Spring Gardens are programmed to be routinely cleansed in 2020.
It is not possible to provide a more definitive timescale for ad hoc cleansing works as our drainage resource operates in a limited capacity and is currently tackling a backlog of works tasks around the county.
We will of course continue to monitor the system here in the meantime via routine highway safety inspections however if at any time residents feel the system is posing an imminent risk to safety please contact us to let us know via 0300 111 8000 and we will arrange an ad hoc inspection which may result in reprioritisation of the existing pending works to resolve an immediate issue.
In recognition of the concern from residents expressed by way of the petition, a local Community Highway Officer will be carrying out a site visit in due course to assess whether any additional ad hoc works are required in this location.
Should you require further information regarding your petition please contact David Greatbatch on 0300 111 8000.