Flooding fears for Hucclecote
Flooding problems on Lobley’s Drive were top of the agenda in Hucclecote this week.
Members of the parish council heard surface water on the road was causing concern for residents using the route.
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Flooding in 2008
The problems occur after heavy rain on the Hucclecote side of the bridge over the M5.
Developers building the Cooper’s Edge estate have promised to take action to stop the flooding, but work has yet to start.
Speaking at the meeting at Pineholt Village Hall on Monday, Councillor Barbara Martin said: “We need to do more and force action to be taken on these issues, it falls in our parish and it’s something we need to do.
“We hope that the flooding issue will be resolved when the developers do the work but, until that starts, we have no idea what is causing the problem.
“When they built the road, they did not see it as a very busy route, but it has become a very busy rat-run through the area.”
Councillor David Martin said the parish council would have to call on the help of Abbey ward county councillor Andrew Gravells.
He said the council could only add weight but not take direct action as the problem areas were outside the Hucclecote area.
Mr Martin said: “We may only have two residents in Lobleys Drive, but it runs through our area.
“To help, we must build friendships with people on the other side of the M5, who, like Andrew Gravells, clearly have concerns for their residents. However, I do not believe there is anything else we can do.”
After the meeting, Mr Gravells said he was pleased to hear the council wanted to lend its support.
He said: “I’m really pleased to have the support of the parish council on this.
“The flooding causes major disruption to drivers and local bus services and, whilst the number of times the road floods has reduced significantly, we’re still not there.
“The land is still owned by the site developers, and I had been assured that all the work to prevent flooding was in place.
“Clearly it is not all in place quite yet, and I’m meeting with highways officials next week to find out how they can exert more pressure on the developers to sort this.”
5 Comments
by anon, glos, glos
Wednesday, February 24 2010, 4:41PM
“This is classic Gloucester isn¿t it. Promised something, and then that promise is not followed through.
Companies like this shouldn¿t be able to get away with it.”
by annoyed, brock, glos
Wednesday, February 24 2010, 4:38PM
“I am sick and tired of people putting things off. This flooding work needs to be done and it needs to be done now.
The weather we have nowadays is so unpredictable, look at all the snow, so we never know when we're going to get more rain.
Every time the rain is quite heavy we are looking over our shoulders, worried about floods.
This road is a disgrace and is such a pain. If they said they were going to do the work, then why aren't they doing it?
Time for the council to get involved don't you think?”
by Fairytales from Gloucester, Hoodwinkers Inc
Friday, February 19 2010, 5:19PM
“Anon Gloucester ¿ All true and Very accurate. But surely you did not believe all that rubbish. Did you not know that lot right fairy stories from 9:30am until 4pm Mon to Fri”
by anon, Gloucester
Thursday, February 18 2010, 7:04PM
“Hey, did I miss something - if you search Lobleys you will find an article dated 21 September 2009 which says
John Seddon, development co-ordination and transport planning manager at Gloucestershire County Council said: "The elements of the flooding work relating to the highway drainage has been resolved, and this should be fully operational.
"This should address the problems previously experienced on this section of Lobleys Drive.
Did the developers lie to us or was the big puddle recently something we all imagined.
How come only two residents live on Lobleys Drive - I thought it was higher?
As for a Rat Run - this was anticipated by the guys designing the road - who came from Oxford - if it was not intended to be used then why the lights at the top of Lobleys Drive - and I bet those living on Coopers Edge cross the bridge to get to Gloucester.
Somewhere in my memory I remember that no houses were going to be built and it was going to be a gated rear entrance for an industrial estate - but then it was going to be opened as a relief road for Hucclecote - I wonder what next - I see David Wilson Homes delivery lorries cross the bridge because they have no where to turn around. Maybe the bridge will collapse and that will solve everyones problems!”
by Robert, Gloucester
Thursday, February 18 2010, 2:06PM
“I do not know why this has been referred to as a 'Rat Run' as everyone was aware that this road was to be opened to alleviate traffic from this side of Gloucester. There are workmen working on the road at the moment, are they sorting out the drainage?”