Ipswich: Paving over your drive could add to flood risk - council warns as rain continues to fall

WITH ongoing bouts of heavy rain striking the country, the risk of flash flooding is a very real threat.

And residents were given the chance to learn more about new proposals to tackle flash floods at a special exhibition held at the British Red Cross in Chevallier Street.

The Ipswich Surface Water Management Plan was drawn up by the Suffolk Flood Risk Management Partnership – a partnership between Ipswich Borough and Suffolk County Council, Anglian Water and the Environment Agency.

Computer modelling has been used to assess the areas most at risk – these are London Road to Lavenham Road, Ancaster Road and Burrell Road, Lovetofts Drive to Lagonda Drive, and Worsley Close to Ellenbrook Green.

Councillor Guy McGregor, cabinet member with responsibility for roads and transport, said: “It’s about how we can work together to make sure the water is dispersed.

“For example, trying to minimise people paving over their front gardens with non-permeable bricks.

“What we can offer is coordination, advice and bringing parties together.”

Ipswich MP Ben Gummer joined councillors and members of the public to tour the exhibition.

He described the plan as creating “proper urban planning solutions.”