SOUTHERN Water is teaming up with the Environment Agency and Colden Common Parish Council to prevent flooding at a pond.
The work is being carried out at Church Pond.
The pond was constructed in 1996 when St Vigor Way and the surrounding roads and development took place. The pond and the surrounding land ownership were transferred to the Parish Council at the time of development.
The pond takes away surface water away from the surrounding areas to prevent flooding in the lower parts of Colden Common, with the work being done due to silt accumulating in the water, reducing the pond’s capacity.
This results in the mechanism (hydrobrake) for reducing the flow of water out of the pond not working correctly, releasing water too quickly which presents a flood risk.
Both Southern Water and the Environment Agency will contribute £20,000 towards the cost of the works – the overall cost of the project is £58,000, with the works including the removal of low-level scrub/ small tree growth and branches which overhang the water, the installation of silt screens, and replacing the viewing platform on the North side of the pond.
Stakeholder Engagement Manager for Hampshire, Nicholas Davis said: “We’re keen to play our part to reduce flooding in our region and a key aspect of this is working with partners to see where we can make a difference. This project will ensure that customers in the Colden Common area will be better protected from flooding as the pond will have much greater capacity.”
Area Flood Advisor at the Environment Agency Artur Podsiadly, said: “We welcome the opportunity to work in partnership to reduce flood risk to Colden Common by increasing the storage capacity of this important flood asset.
“By removing the naturally accumulating silt in Church Pond, we will be able to work more efficiently in retaining the flood water in the upper section of the catchment.
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“Our Hydrobreak system will slow down flows by retaining water in the balancing pond, reducing the risk of flooding to local homes and businesses.”
Chair of Colden Common Parish Council, Cllr Maggie Hill, said: “These works were necessary for flood prevention. We are very thankful to both the Environment Agency and Southern Water for their financial support which has enabled us to deliver this project and reduce the risk of flooding in our community.”
For further information about the project visit the Colden Common Parish Council website.
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