MADAM, I write regarding the Ross-on-Wye Flood Relief scheme, which collapsed in the early hours of Sunday November 24th.

This results from the severe weed infestation in the Chatterley Brook, inside and outside the new culvert, which was built in 2008 to prevent further flooding in the Broadmeadows area and other parts of the town.

Despite informing Herefordshire Council and the Environment Agency, this was not cleared prior to the recent heavy rain, resulting with blockage of the siphon grid, causing flooding of businesses on the Broadmeadows Industrial Estate.

This is entirely due to the failure of Herefordshire Council to implement a regular maintenance scheme. Maintenance should include the entrance to the Chatterley Brook siphon and culvert, the Rudhall Brook culvert and sustaining clear water courses between the Broadmeadow Culvert and the siphon entrance areas for which they are responsible.

Today (Monday November 26th) several businesses are unable to operate satisfactorily due to the flooding. Despite having been repeatedly informed by local businesses of the poor condition of these culverts and water courses, by telephone calls, emails and letters since the beginning of August, and the fact that it has been the wettest year for over 100 years, Herefordshire Council have taken no effective action.

Unless Herefordshire Council and Amey (contractors to the council) implement a regular maintenance deep clean scheme of these water courses, the flood relief scheme is in danger of becoming a White Elephant.

Brian Edwards, Ross-on-Wye

For Herefordshire Council's response to these allegations please page 5 see this week's Ross Gazette.

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