Culvert is cleared of debris to reduce threat of flooding

over 40 tonnes of debris has been cleared from a culvert in Featherstone as part of a project to reduce the risk of flooding.

Last month, officers from the Environment Agency started a major overhaul of damaged culverts in Wakefield as part of a major refurbishment programme, looking at all 800 culverts across Yorkshire.

Work on one of the culverts at St Martins Close, Featherstone finished last week, reducing the risk of flooding to 110 properties.

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Culverts are structures which carry water underground. They were often built to allow development to take place around them such as roads and homes. Many people live and work near culverts and may not even know they are there.

Project manager, Glenn Fieldhouse, said: “It is important for culverts to be checked regularly, because if they get blocked, they can be a significant cause of localised flooding to home owners and businesses.

“We’ve collected forty tonnes of debris and vegetation from the culvert and channel. People should never fly-tip any waste, even vegetation, into a watercourse. Not only can it lead to a risk of flooding but it can also harm property and wildlife.”

Work to clear the culvert started in January, and cost in the region of £70,000.

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Officers are now moving downstream to do more clearance and maintenance work in the Priory Road and Priordale Road areas of Featherstone.

Anyone can check if their homes or businesses are at risk of flooding and join the Agency’s free Floodine Warnings Direct service. Information is available at www.environment-agency.gov.uk