Various types of drainage features are used in the roads and pavements to drain surface water all of which require cyclical maintenance to ensure the best performance. Despite regular cleaning, drainage features can become blocked particularly in heavy rain as debris is carried along the highway.
A large proportion of drainage features connect to surface or foul sewers. In the heaviest of rain, water arriving on the road will be greater than the capacity of the drainage facilities that take it away causing surface flooding.
If roads are flooded, we will place out warning signs or in exceptional circumstance, some road may need to be closed and diversions implemented.
Drains that collect surface water from the public road or footway are cleansed by SWISCo. If you notice a drain is blocked you can notify SWISCo by calling 01803 701318 or you can report online.