Rode and Beckington works to reduce flooding 2022-23

SRA Annual Report 2022-23: Rode and Beckington works to reduce flooding

The main aims of SRA-funded work in Rode have been to reduce flood risks to more than 25 properties (in Long Street, High Street, The Brewery plus the primary school) and nine roads, and to enhance parts of the local environment through techniques of Natural Flood Management (NFM).

This project grew out of an earlier SRA-funded programme of investigations into sub- catchments across Mendip that could benefit from extra maintenance.

Work in Rode has been delivered for the SRA by Mendip District Council’s flood risk consultants Calm Engineering, working with other SRA partners and contractors.

Works in Rode

Channel dug into Lower Street, Rode, with water flowing along the bottom, with barriers both sides, cars parked further up beyond a traffic control sign. — SRA-funded drainage works in progress in Lower Street, Rode.

Works in Rode began in February 2023, and have included:

removal of debris, jetting and CCTV
replacement and repair of culvert roofing
structural lining of pipes
replacement of pipes
root cutting and removal
clearing ditches and improving connections to them

Completion is expected by summer 2023.

Works in Beckington

SRA-funded works in Beckington have been led and designed by the same team as in Rode. Their purpose is to reduce risks of systemic drainage failures causing widespread flooding, especially to Goose Street and properties at the bottom of Warminster Road / Frome Road (more than 25 properties in total). Text continues below photograph.

Sections of road and pavement dug up in neat trenches, exposing a pipe, with red barriers around the site. — SRA-funded drainage works in progress in Beckington.

Beckington works were completed by March 2023 save for two jobs planned for July. They have included:

replacement of surface water drainage pipes
root cutting and removal
removal of debris and clearance by jetting
repair and/or replacement of culvert roofing
replacement and/or repair of existing manholes
installation of new manholes for improved accessibility and maintenance
structural lining of surface water drainage pipes
CCTV surveying

Wessex Water have been making foul sewer improvements, paid for by Wessex Water. Residents have been encouraged to learn about and fulfill riparian responsibilities for maintenance, and about ways in which all villagers can help to reduce the risks of unpleasant sewer overflows.