A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
08:00 - 03 October 2007
During this summer's floods many people wondered whether
blocked gullies were to blame.
The subsequent interim report by the Independent Review Body in Hull shifted
attention deeper underground.
It found flaws in both the city's drainage and water pumping infrastructure.
As for blocked gullies, the report concluded it was highly
unlikely they were a direct cause of flooding, but found they may have
contributed to localised flooding in certain areas.
However, the report also highlighted the continuing confusion over who is
responsible for gulley maintenance in private residential areas.
In neighbourhoods with tenfoots, it is currently up to residents whose homes
back on to them to make sure the gullies are kept clear.
The same applies to private housing developments with unadopted roads within
them.
Under Government proposals currently out for consultation, the ownership of
private gullies, drains and sewers could soon transfer to local water companies.
Today we report Yorkshire Water is in favour of such a move, despite the obvious
problems of taking onboard a vast new drainage network.
At the moment, too many agencies and organisations are involved in the process,
leading to widespread confusion. Transferring ownership of private gullies,
drains and sewers to a single body has to be a step in the right direction.