Issue - meetings

Members considered a report on proposed works to mitigate flooding across the District. The majority of the work involved the replacement of existing vertical trash screens with a screen of an alternative design to include an angled grille which would help to prevent excess debris building up and blocking culverts. There was a clear relationship between the presence of the vertical grilles and instances of flooding problems. The cost of dealing with instances of blockages in an attempt to prevent flooding was significant in relation to emergency call outs and clearly there was great concern from residents who in some cases had been attempting to deal with the problems themselves.

It was reported that 10 sites around the District had been identified to date as requiring replacement grilles together with an additional new site adjacent to St. Chad’s Recreation Ground, Rubery where currently no grille was in place. In addition the survey work across the District was not yet complete and there was a likelihood of further sites being identified. There was therefore a proposal for contingency funding to cover the costs of replacement grilles at an additional 5 sites. 

It was confirmed that in areas where there were private landowners or joint or multiple ownership, joint arrangements for funding would be sought with riparian owners. At 2 sites in Catshill, Bromsgrove District Housing Trust was meeting the cost of replacing grilles within its ownership.

Following discussion it was

RECOMMENDED:

(a)       that the Capital Programme 2013/14 be increased by £37,400 to meet the costs in relation to the provision of 11 grilles and associated works in the locations listed in the report and that the funding be met from balances; and

(b)       that the Capital programme 2013/14 be increased by £17,000 to meet the costs in relation to the provision of 5 further grilles and associated works, on a contingency basis and that the funding be met from balances.