Costessey blocked drains increase flood worries after storms

Storms Babet and Ciaran caused flooding across the city but neighbours in Costessey are blaming the county council for not keeping on top of the drains.  

Some say it won't take much rain for drains to back up and flood roads unless some proper maintenance work is carried out.

Because the drains are already blocked, when it begins to rain they overflow immediately (Image: Claire Angelina)

Claire Angelina, 37, who lives in Three Mile Road, said: “Something really needs to be done, where is our council tax going if not to sort the basics?” 

Claire was shocked following storms earlier in the month to see all but one drain on her road blocked, and with another storm on the way she is concerned for people in the area.  

Claire Angelina is concerned about blocked drains in Costessey (Image: Submitted)

The mum of two said: “If Storm Debi hits as predicted over the region, it is not going to be fun.

READ MORE: Investigation launched as flooding is blamed on work for new housing

“The local lanes will be impassable, traffic will be bright red on all the maps." 

On Claire Angelina's road in Costessey all but one of the drains are blocked (Image: Claire Angelina)

Claire thinks that the recent bad weather should have sparked an emergency drain-cleaning operation in the suburb.  

Costessey district councillor Gary Blundell said: “Neglecting regular drain maintenance by Norfolk County Council amid rising rainfall and changing climate patterns is irresponsible.  

READ MORE: Pipe spewing sewage into Yare river in Norwich to be fixed

“Firstly, clogged drains exacerbate the risk of flooding, posing a direct threat to public safety and property.  

District Councillor for Costessey Gary Blundell thinks that the council needs to be clearing drains more regularly (Image: Gary Blundell)

“The environmental impact cannot be ignored; blocked drains contribute to water pollution as stagnant water collects debris and pollutants, harming local ecosystems.” 

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A Norfolk County Council spokesman said: "Drains and gullies are cleaned regularly by our highways team, with frequency varying depending on the risk of blockages.  

“Cleaning takes place every one, two or three years based on an assessment of the risk at that location, as well as taking place when we receive a report of a blockage.” 

The council encourages city folk to report blocked drains and add photos where possible. 

With Storm Debi on the way neighbours are concerned this means more chaos (Image: Claire Angelina)