Romsey footpath has new drains installed to ease flooding

As previously reported, the flooding occurred on the path on Botley Road between Romsey and North Baddesley. The route is often used by children who walk to the Mountbatten secondary school, with some walking in the road to avoid the water.

Following the path flooding in December, parents started campaigning for new measures along the footpath, contacting both the borough council and school to express concern.

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One of the new drains (Image: Geoff Cooper)An emergency order was raised with Hampshire County Council, with new drains installed along the footpath.

Botley Road resident Jason Dean, who took part in the campaign to have new drains installed along the road, said that the new infrastructure seems to have worked, with no children having to walk on the A27.

He told the Advertiser: “The only time it didn’t work was when we had all the flooding was last week (Thursday, January 4) when we had that huge downpour. However, on a day-to-day basis, it seems to work well.

“Hopefully the council will be working to raise the footpath. We don’t know yet if they will do it, or if they will say they have sorted it. Hopefully, we can get it all sorted.”

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The dry Botley Road footpath (Image: Geoff Cooper)Cllr Geoff Cooper said: “The installation of the drainage is a victory for local campaigning by residents and Lib Dem ward councillors. It is a shame that it has taken so long to find a solution, but I am glad we are finally there.

“Our climate is changing; the heavy and persistent rainfall is a symptom of that. Our infrastructure needs to be adapted to cope and we must invest if we are to keep pace with climate change and the impact it will have on all our lives."

Cllr Amanda Ford added: “Numerous parents have contacted me regarding the safety of their children walking and cycling to the Mountbatten School every time it rained. We have been campaigning for drainage works to be carried out for a few years to no avail. I’m glad at last Hampshire County Council saw sense and has put satisfactory drainage in place and our children can walk or cycle to school safely."