Get your questions answered on scheme

AN urban sustainable drainage scheme and other defence measures are being installed on Kenton Bar estate to protect homes and the local school from flooding and ponding. The scheme has been warmly welcomed by residents and local ward councillors.

Newcastle Council has secured £435k of external funding to bring the much needed scheme about. Kenton Bar Primary and 54 residential homes have been identified as being at risk of surface water flooding. The school flooded in 2012 and has continued to have frequent, significant, disruption following periods of heavy rainfall. Residents have rightly complained that part of the estate looks like a ‘fast moving river’ after a heavy storm.

Some residents living in the affected area did report flooding inside their homes during the storms of 2012. Residents have told us that the impact of the flooding was severe, resulting in serious damage to their properties and having an adverse effect on their mental wellbeing.

A flood risk survey was carried out, which found that the excess water stems from the higher ground, south of Kenton Lane, and flows towards the low-lying areas of Ryal & Hartburn Walk. Kenton School football fields have also been shown to be a key source of the flood flows in the area. During intense rainfall, surface water can’t enter the sewers fast enough causing the water to flood the school and resident homes, getting in through airbricks, garages and over door thresholds.

The new measures to prevent flooding include creating basins on the grassed area to temporarily hold water, soil embankments and building new walls and improved drainage.

Consultation has begun with 900 residents, Kenton Bar TARA and both schools. The 18-month flood alleviation scheme will better protect homes and school from flooding and ponding. Kenton Bar residents can get any questions answered by contacting Ali and Ruth at Newcastle Council on 278 2767.

COUN STEPHEN LAMBERT, COUN GED BELL and COUN ANYA DURRANT, Kenton Ward, Newcastle City Council