A blitz to clear drains in time for winter

Between now and January, an extra 12,000 drains and gullies will be cleared by the county council on top of its annual programme, which targets 140,000.

The authority said it is focusing on the clean-up now, rather than completing it before the start of the wet weather, as autumn is ending and most trees have now dropped their leaves, which is a major cause of blockage.

The clean-up has already begun in many towns and villages and was due to be completed by the end of November in places including Workington, Cockermouth, Flimby and Brigham.

In Allerdale, just over 3,000 gullies have been pinpointed.

Local flood action groups have been involved in drawing up a list of blocked gullies that have caused problems.

As well as helping in the fight against floods, the clean-up will also stop water standing on roads, making it safer for motorists.

Councillor Keith Little, cabinet member responsible for highways, said it was “remarkable” that 12,392 gullies will be cleaned in roughly six weeks.

He added: “Blocked gullies prevent water draining away quickly, making our roads more dangerous. After the volume of rain last winter, we’re keen to make sure the roads are as well prepared as possible.

“That’s why we have deliberately invested additional resources in this ‘gully blitz’.”

Barepot, Brigham, Broughton Cross, Camerton, Cockermouth, Crosby, Dovenby, Flimby, Maryport, Seaton and Workington were all due to be visited by the gully-cleaning team by the end of November.

The team is due in Braithwaite, Lorton and Southwaite, Cockermouth on Tuesday, while cleaning is scheduled in Keswick for seven days from Wednesday.

It is then expected at Papcastle on December 16, Bassenthwaite on December 20, and Isel and Portinscale on December 21.

Work is set to continue at Aspatria and Blennerhasset and Baggrow on January 6, Allonby on January 9 and Hayton and Bullgill on January 10.

The council asks that motorists avoid parking their cars beside gullies when the team is due.