Brambridge flooding continues by river despite Southern Water sensor

The manhole in Kiln Lane by Brambridge Garden Centre was once again overflowing with sewage and rain water following the recent wet weather.

Colden Common and Twyford ward councillor, Sue Cook, deliberately passed by the notorious flooding spot around 6.30pm on Friday, July 14 where she saw sanitary items flowing from the manhole.

The manhole bubbling over (Image: Sue Cook)

READ MORE: Brambridge: Kiln Lane opens after 11 days of sewage and water works

Within minutes, she said four tankers arrived, at the road between Otterbourne and Colden Common, to manage the issue.

Cllr Cook said: “It was carnage. Yet again, despite Southern Water’s wonderful sensor, the manhole is still spewing water. It would have been awful if it was left any longer.

“There was a trace of sewage mixed with rainwater. Every time it rains we have this problem. The grill was full of stuff – it needs to be cleaned so it can stop everything.

The blocked up grill (Image: Sue Cook)

“The only time I’ll be hopeful that it has been fixed is when I go down there after it has rained and there is no excess water.

“It’s great they’ve got the sensor there and are doing more but there still has to be an ongoing issue for that amount of water to be coming up. I’m disappointed yet again.

“The sensor worked but it was too late, water had already started cascading out and that goes into the River Itchen.

“Southern Water is lacking communication. They need to be getting back to people and informing them with progress updates. Residents contact me and I can only do so much.”

Contractors managing the overflow (Image: Sue Cook)

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While the utility company managed the flooding, traffic lights were in place and the road remained open.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We are aware of the recent discharges from sewer overflows at Brambridge due to pollution monitoring equipment we have installed in the Itchen Navigation.

“Our investigation into this long-term issue continues. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected pollution incidents to us via our incident hotline on 0800 807060.”

Kiln Lane has seen recurring flooding following heavy rain, with raw sewage spewing into the chalk stream multiple times since Christmas.

Following investigations earlier this year, Southern Water said: “Our investigations have identified there is hydraulic restriction, which happens during wet weather. In these conditions, due to this being a combined sewer system, our network receives flows from surface water run-off.

“Flooding will have been especially noticeable during the exceptionally high rainfall we have had over recent months. Although very dilute, any amount of water overflowing is unacceptable.”

Works were subsequently carried out to allow a greater volume of flow during wet weather.

The company has been contacted for comment on the latest incident.