A road in Kent is the first one in the county that will be transformed as part of work to reduce storm overflows.
Due to climate change, combined sewers are unable to hold the large volumes of rainwater the country now has. To prevent flooding and storm overflows in Kent, Southern Water and Kent County Council are introducing a series of sustainable drainage systems (SuDs) to soak up rainwater and stop it running into the sewers.
Gloucester Avenue in Margate is the first in the county to undergo the work to deliver swales, rain gardens and nature-based solutions on its verges.
The scheme was designed and funded by Southern Water, with Kent County Council’s Highways team carrying out the work.
The overall cost of the work is around £400,000 and it is due to be completed this month.
The work to install SuDs at this road will help slow the flow water entering the sewer system when it rains – with up to 88,000 litres of water managed over 0.55 hectares.
The work will provide further benefits including providing nectar rich planting for bees and butterflies, and the planting of new streets which can help to cool the urban environment during heatwaves.
Southern Water is working across Kent to reduce storm overflows, including in Margate, Deal and Whitstable – with further work and schemes due to be announced this year. The work is part of our £1.5bn Clean Rivers and Seas Plan.
Jerome Corcoran from Southern Water’s Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force, said:
“We’re excited to be working closely with Kent County Council to make this road greener and help slow the flow of water running off roads and Entering our sewer network. We’re sorry for any disruption this is causing customers in the area, but the benefits will be felt by helping us reduce storm overflows so we can play our part in creating healthier rivers and seas.”
Southern Water and Kent County Council will be looking at further roads across the county where similar schemes can be carried out.
Rob Thomas, Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
“I am pleased that we are working collaboratively with Southern Water to find sustainable solutions that will reduce storm overflows across the county, starting with Gloucester Avenue in Margate.
“Flooding has a serious impact on Kent communities and with increasing periods of intensive rainfall, the council is committed to working with partners on finding ways to minimise the impacts and better manage surface water.”
