Why do we need to make space for water?
The Pool Watercourse catchment area surrounds the historic flow path of The Pool watercourse. Urban development has encroached on the watercourse, resulting in much of its length being piped and its natural floodplain being built upon which now represents a problem for people and properties. This, in combination with the nature of the existing drainage infrastructure, has resulted in the area becoming subjected to heavy flooding, particularly from surface water.
Historically there have been a number of significant flood events:
- 2012: Surface water flooding at St. Johns Primary School playground and highway, flooding along Rufford Road.
- 2015: Flooding in Balmoral Drive, Verulam Road and Melrose Avenue.
- 2017: Flooding at Preston New Road, Merlewood Avenue, Balmoral Drive, Glamis Drive, Norbury Close, Melrose Avenue and Verulam Road.
Sefton is currently one of the highest risk areas in the country from surface water flooding. In the Crossens and Churchtown area there are 303 properties at high risk of surface water flooding. This scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to 98 worst affected properties and provide benefit to the remaining 205. Managing water differently is core to the Council’s values and vision of making Sefton a great place to be.
How will we make space for water?
Sefton Council plan to alleviate flooding in the Crossens and Churchtown area of Sefton by using a combination of sustainable drainage solutions within existing urban greenspaces and drainage improvements to showcase how water can be managed differently.
These features will take the form of landscaped depressions (ponds) within the urban greenspaces either side of Preston New Road and within Crossens recreation ground. These will act as holding area for excess water which will slowly be released back into the watercourse following heavy rain. These ponds may not be wet all of the time as they will operate when needed during heavy and prolonged rain.
A new pipe will be installed from Botanic Lake under the car park on Verulum Road and through the first section of the Stray Woodland between Balmoral Drive and Lexton Drive. This will be laid under the existing pathway to reduce the need for tree removal. Kerb side drainage will also be installed on Balmoral Drive, Lexton Drive, Rathmore Crescent and Preston New Road to reduce flooding to the carriageway. Maintenance will also be undertaken on the rest of the existing watercourse to ensure it can receive and convey the flow of water out to the three Pools main river.
This scheme will help pave the way for more nature-based solutions to flooding to be rolled out across the borough where we utilise urban greenspaces, not only for flood storage but to also provide multiple benefits to our communities. These benefits include an enhanced recreational, environmental, and health and wellbeing offer for the whole community to enjoy. Opportunities for the community to be involved in planting events, and monitoring the growth of biodiversity will be actively encouraged. The areas will also offer a place for reflection and enjoyment within the rich wildlife that will thrive within the landscaped wetlands.
When will this happen?
Sefton Council have submitted a business case to the Environment Agency for approval. They administer Grant in Aid to applicants from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Feedback on the business case has been positive with recognition of the need and benefit of the scheme. A current review of Flood Defence Grant in Aid is being undertaken by the Environment Agency and DEFRA, which has caused some delays in decisions being made on funding. Sefton Council will continue to apply for planning permission, engage with contractors and the community to enable the scheme to commence as soon as an announcement is made.