In November, the Parish Council took proactive steps to address recurring flooding and drainage issues in Roydon. Collaborating with the environmental department of the South Norfolk District Council (SNDC), accompanied by dedicated parish councillors, a site visit was conducted to assess problematic areas. While numerous sites needed attention, time constraints limited the inspection, prompting plans for a subsequent visit to cover the remaining areas.
During the November Parish Council meeting, the outcomes of the visit were deliberated upon. Key issues highlighted included the ineffective drainage from grips along rural roads in Roydon. Grips, the drainage channels managed by the County Council’s Highways Department (HD), extend merely a meter from the road edge, often resulting in stagnant channels that fail to adequately drain water.
Council officers emphasised that extending these grips to connect with drainage ditches would require action from the Parish Council. As a result, the Council explored the possibility of utilising volunteer efforts from councillors to extend three grips at the west end of Tottington Lane. Three dedicated councillors accepted the task and, impressively, completed the work within an hour (see attached photos).
The focus now shifts to the west end of Tottington Lane, where further measures are needed to clear obstructed ditches. This obstruction contributes to water accumulation on the road surface, leading to potential flooding, particularly downhill toward the junction with Fen Street. The responsibility for this specific work rests with a landowner, who will receive a formal request from SNDC to address the issue promptly.
Efforts to extend grips in other identified areas are underway and will be addressed in the upcoming weeks. We appreciate the collaborative efforts of all involved in addressing these drainage concerns and remain committed to ensuring the community’s resilience against flooding.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our efforts in addressing drainage concerns across Roydon. If you are passionate about improving our community’s resilience against flooding and would like to contribute your time and effort, we welcome your participation. Please contact the Parish Clerk at clerk@roydon-southnorfolk-pc.gov.uk Together, we can make a significant difference in safeguarding our neighbourhoods.
