A NEWLY-formed group dedicated to keeping Barnard Castle free from flooding is urging residents to report blocked drains.
The town’s flood resilience group says anyone spotting blocked drains should get in touch with Durham County Council – and not assume someone else will do it.
Jamie Grant, community engagement officer for the Environment Agency covering Darlington and County Durham, told the group: “We’re all guilty of assuming someone else has reported a blocked drain when we see them on streets.
“Many people have passed a drain that is blocked and not done anything about it. We’re all guilty of doing it.
“But what we want to do is encourage everyone to report problems. One of the best ways of reporting is using Durham’s online system.”
The flood resilience group was formed earlier this year and held an open meeting last week at the town council offices on Scar Top.
Ms Grant explained that a study into the state of the drains was currently ongoing in the town.
She added: “Durham County Council officers need regular information from residents of where the problems are. Reporting if there is flooding or blocked drains will help.”
Ros Evans who lives in Newgate, said: “As a resident I wouldn’t mind doing a walk around with other people taking notes and taking photos and then sending it to the council.
“If there are lots of us, we could split into groups and cover a bigger area.”
The meeting was told the flood resilience group will hold a monthly walk around to check on the state of drains in the town.
The inaugural walkabout, which is open to anyone interested in taking part, will take place on Monday, December 1, meeting at the town library at 11am.
Anyone who wishes to report a blocked drain can do so online at https://bitly.ws/Ytd6.
