May 2025 Update
Flooding and Drainage update as at 16th May 2025.
Network Rail confirmed on the 15th May that their contractor CML is still developing a schedule of work to clear and install new culvert pipe to the section between the barrier and the tracks as discussed at the 24th April MAG meeting that they had hoped to have done by now. Apparently, this is more complex due to the railway equipment in the area, the track support zone and the track. This means the work requires a design and significant monitoring plan. CML are currently working on this, and we have been promised a further update at the next MAG meeting on the 28th May. The crossing closure of the 17th May was therefore not the final solution.
The 3 remaining blockages identified and marked up by Anglian water at the Mill Lane /Main Road junction, the Gables Main Road and in the second chamber in front of the Old Post Office are still yet to be cleared by AW. Apparently, this work was awaiting the start of their new financial year and budget?
The installation of new silt collecting gullies on the Main Road by LCC Highways will be started soon in phases and will not be completed in one hit.
On the 2nd May the Environment agency at long last replaced the Bainton Road River bridge flap valve with a new heavy duty one. This replaced the valve that has now been shown to have been poorly fitted back in 2022 and that in any event, save for a few weeks in February 2024 (& after the flooding of Jan 24) had been sandbagged off due to its sporadic effectiveness since the river bank work commenced in November 2023. We are currently in discussion over the fitting of a mesh filter and/ or a penstock gate as added protection on the village side of the bank.
Take care. Philip. Tallington Parish council as at 16th May 2025.