Barrier plan to prevent call-outs to Watery Gate
Rescues cost emergency services time and money
GATES could be placed at either end of a notorious flooding hotspot to stop drivers using the route when it is underwater.
Figures from 2014 to 2018 show the fire service has been called out 10 times and the county council’s highways department 19 times to Watery Gate Lane, a road between Earl Shilton, Thurlaston, Huncote, Potters Marston and Croft.
Blaby District Council’s cabinet has pledged £16,250 towards the plans that will cost £65,000. The rest of the cash will come from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, if it agrees to pitch in.
A Blaby council report outlining the reasons that action is required states the cost for a fire service call out is £500 and about £190 for highways, but each incident can have a different level of complexity.
It adds: “Each incident also affects at least one resident and in more extreme cases can be a serious risk to life.”
The area around the ford – as well as Pingle Lane, Stanton Lane and Thurlaston Lane – has been identified by the Environment Agency as at risk from surface water flooding.
Water levels in the ford on Watery Gate Lane typically increase during December to March.
However, records show that the number of instances that Watery Gate Lane has been flooded are on the rise throughout the year.
According to the report: “The high water levels in the ford have unfortunately led to residents, who try to cross in their vehicles, breaking down. This leads to either the county council highways team or the fire and rescue service being called out to attend.” Three options were explored. Option one involved installing an electronic warning sign which would cost £35,000. Option two, with a £37,000 price tag, was additional flip down warning signs operated by a parish flood warden. The third, and chosen option, is manual gates at each junction.
The report states: “There would be gates installed at each junction. This option would require full consultation as it would affect residents and farm accesses. This option would physically prevent vehicles from driving to the ford and would be operated by the local parish flood warden.”
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council is yet to decide if it will contribute towards the project.