Review reveals Bexley's flood risks
11:36, 09 April 2008
FLOODING of some nature is likely in Bexley according to a review of flood plans.
A report discussed by councillors on the Environment and Transport Committee last night warned that heavy rainfall could cause drains to overflow while defences could burst at Danson Lake.
The council carried out the review after the floods in other parts of the country last summer.
Danson Lake in Danson Park, Bexleyheath, could cause flooding if storm water, collected in the lake, were to rise above the dam or if the dam wall were to fail.
Because of this threat, the height, volume and flow rate of water is monitored on a 24-hour basis to ensure emergency plans are brought into action if this happened.
Other potential flood causes are from the River Thames or the borough’s rivers, although these are regarded as unlikely.
The review has also brought about a new draft flood emergency plan. It looks at the way the council would respond if any of the above scenarios were to happen. It details preventative methods as well as how the council would receive prior warning and how it would assist the emergency services.
It also details how the council would go about clearing up after a flood in the borough. The plan is due to be finalised over the next month.
An exercise involving Greenwich council, emergency services and the Environment Agency to test the plan is also scheduled to be carried out in the summer.