Next phase of Farnborough Flood Alleviation scheme to get underway

It is due to start Monday (24 August)

Author: Grace McGachyPublished 21st Aug 2021

The next phase of the Farnborough Flood Alleviation scheme is due to start on Monday (24 August).

The work is part of the of a £475,000 scheme for Rectory Road and Sycamore Road in Knellwood.

It is being funded from Hampshire County Council’s Flood Risk and Coastal Defence Programme, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Flood Defence Grant in Aid funding (FDGiA) and the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC) local levy.

Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader of Hampshire County Council and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, said:

“Both of these roads have a history of being prone to significant surface water and groundwater flooding following persistent rainfall events.

"The measures to reduce the risk of flooding incidents in the two locations have been developed in liaison with Rushmoor Borough Council, which owns and manages the adjacent open spaces, King Georges Field and Rectory Road Recreation Ground.

"The aim is to bring back historic flow pathways that will guide flood water away from properties and the highway, towards the River Blackwater.”

The package of measures includes:

• The clearance of existing highway pipework and gulleys;

• The clearance and reprofiling of a historic ditch which had been filled with vegetation and fly tipped material;

• Landscape works within the Blackwater Valley to improve the surface water flow path to the River Blackwater;

• Laying of new pipework to create a new connection from the Rectory Road playing fields to the historic ditch for water to flow through.

Cllr Humby added:

“I would like to ask the local community for their patience and understanding while we undertake these important works and to please bear with us during this period, as there will be some disruption, and access to the playing fields, pavement, car park and roads may be restricted. We will do all we can to minimise any inconvenience.”