Residents attribute home flooding to ‘inadequate’ drainage system

A couple whose residence has experienced two floods this year contends that Guildford Borough Council did not install adequate drainage at a nearby new housing development. Jane and Jimmy West, residing on the A323 Aldershot Road near Wood Street Village, had returned to their home only three weeks prior, following a previous flood in January. Heavy rainfall from Storm Bert a week ago resulted in their house being submerged under at least a foot of water (0.3m), occurring just before Mr West was scheduled to commence cancer treatment. Guildford Borough Council stated it was reviewing the original drainage plan for the adjacent Carters Yard housing estate. Speaking with BBC Radio Surrey, Mr West described the rain flowing from the main road “like a river,” rendering them temporarily without a home for the second occasion this year. Mrs West mentioned that her family had owned the property for 50 years and had “never had this problem” before the estate’s construction three years ago. She added that their insurance premiums have increased from £300 to £800. The couple alleges that the council had failed to take any action and had not cleaned the drains. The Wests hope their insurance provider will rehouse them in the vicinity while repairs are conducted, as Mr West requires proximity to the Royal Surrey County Hospital where he is undergoing treatment. Guildford Borough Council commented: “Flooding of this nature is unusual in a new development and therefore we are now reviewing the original drainage scheme. We will do all we can to help ensure flooding of this severity does not occur again in this area.” Vivid, the developers responsible for Carters Yard, stated: “A series of planned repairs are in place to restore any damage caused. We are also investigating measures to provide residents with reassurance that future flood risks will be reduced.”