Ongoing issues exacerbating flood risk to Sidmouth homes finally resolved

Devon County Council carried out ‘cost effective’ work to redirect flow of water

An ongoing issue that contributed to flooding in Bulverton Park in 2012, and increased the risk to householders, has finally been resolved.

A Devon County Council (DCC) investigation found the existing pipe and channel adjacent to Ridgeway Mead was discharging across a nearby field and potentially backing up water flows onto the highway.

To resolve the problem, the authority has created a more formal channel along the line of an existing ditch to ensure water flow is retained in the system and cannot run, uncontrolled towards properties.

The new channel discharges via a deep chamber back into the watercourse - as the ditch did previously.

The Herald reported in November 2012 how residents in Bulverton Park felt they had a lucky escape when water - that had rendered Station Road and Bulverton Road impassable - crept into their gardens and towards their properties. “It was very close for everybody,” said one householder at the time.

County councillor Stuart Hughes, cabinet member for flood prevention and Sidmouth and Sidford representative, said: “I’m sure that this cost-effective scheme will be welcomed by the residents of Bulverton Park, who have seen flooding in the past and are on tenterhooks every time we see prolonged rainfall or a storm such as the recent Storm Angus.

“As part of the works, a new catch pit has been created upstream to ensure flows are retained in the watercourse and avoid them flowing onto the highway.”