Hornchurch & Upminster MP, Julia Lopez, met key stakeholders this morning to push for progress in resolving the persistent flooding on Abbs Cross Lane that continues to affect residents.
The local MP first convened representatives of Havering Council, Thames Water, TfL, Network Rail in July with Cllr. Gerry O’Sullivan to try to get to the bottom of the problem.
Following this initial meeting, several on-site investigations were carried out over the summer between the council, utility provider and transport teams to identify any issues behind the flooding problem. These investigations have required the clearing of vegetation and CCTV surveying drains.
Havering Council has identified two gullies which require excavation and reconnection. However, no stakeholder has found any defect likely to be causing the assets to perform poorly and lead to the flooding of Abbs Cross Lane which too often occurs during periods of heavy or sustained rainfall. Arrangements have therefore been made to allow for the assets to be inspected again during bad weather. This will allow for an assessment to be made on their operation under pressure and to determine whether there is enough drainage capacity in the system to deal with heavy rain.
Once this inspection has taken place the MP will convene the group again to discuss findings and potential next steps for resolutions to try to resolve the problem for residents.
Hornchurch and Upminster’s MP, Julia Lopez, said ‘Flooding in Abbs Cross Lane has affected residents for many years, but I am pleased that in convening all relevant stakeholders we are getting people to work together to find a collective solution for residents. Unfortunately, despite significant investigations by all parties, the cause of this problem has not yet been identified but there is now a momentum and a will to get to the bottom of the issue. I am pleased that arrangements have been made for further inspections to take place when flooding is occurring and trust that this will allow for a more complete assessment of the problem. I look forward to further updates from stakeholders so that we may move on to developing solutions for residents.’