Further photos of drainage issue Whitwell High Street

At 7pm this evening there was another rain storm with thunder in South Wight. This section of Whitwell High Street became another torrent of water. The spout of water coming out of the Wightfibre cap demonstrates the water pressure building up below the carriageway. Thanks to the Island Road Steward who came out today and is keeping us informed of management.

It was pleasing to receive a questionnaire, as the drainage problem is not yet fixed as of Monday 26th September 2022. The questionnaire was partially completed before the page was lost and subsequent access to the questionnaire denied.

There are several authorities involved in this drainage issue and it appears that WightFibre have the responsibility to fix the drainage damage. Some feedback and a timeline would be helpful to the local residents who are all at risk of further flooding. Thank you.

By way of an update: The Wightfibre channel waterspouts outside a Grade II listed building in Whitwell High Street continue to gush when it rains (see photo). Furthermore, a new surface water course now continues to drain for three days after heavy rain, leaving debris in its wake (leaves and gravel). More importantly the new water course flowing from the spouts now runs against the front wall of the listed building.

The local Parish Council is aware. These specific drainage issues and wider flooding matters will be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting on 28th November, 2022. Any updates on the ‘action scheduled’ to rectify the specific waterspout drainage issues eg CCTV would be appreciated. Thank you.

A further update: Following heavy rain earlier this week commencing 16-1-23, drainage water continues to rise out of the Wightfibre Toby lid in Whitwell High Street five days later. The stream of water continues to impact along the side of the listed building causing mould and paint to flake. Due to the temperatures being below zero this week there is now ice forming on the drainage stream as it courses down and across the High Street. This is particularly hazardous across the driveway of the listed building and to anyone walking along the road at this point. The local Parish Council understands that CCTV is scheduled to investigate the drainage system, but there is now some urgency to remedy the ongoing effects of the abnormal water drainage in the High Street. Thank you for your attention.

It was good to see that a repair to the damaged storm drain adjacent to 1-2 Hillside Terrace, High Street Whitwell, was carried out by Wightfibre contractors yesterday 19th June 2023. After the rain storm overnight (20th June 2023) there was evidence of heavy water flow up through the surface water drain cover onto the road adjacent to No 1 Old Church House Cottages (see photo). Leaves, sand and debris were deposited across and down the High Street northwards from this point. The storm drainage in this part of Whitwell High Street clearly needs to be further monitored. Thank you for your ongoing attention to the matter.

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