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Question from: County Councillor Amanda Jenner Subject: Highways Drain Jetters
Question:
I am concerned about the council’s resources for keeping drains regularly maintained and clear, particularly in North Powys. During the recent storms, properties in my ward were flooded and although the conditions were extreme, many feel that the state of the drains exacerbated the problems.
Please can you provide an overview of North Powys’ drain jetter resources and yearly work programme? How many jetters are in North Powys and what is the yearly programme of work which they undertake? Has the Authority had more jetters in the past? If so, what happened to them and when were they disposed?
Will there be any Government grants in respect of the recent storm damage? If so, could such funding be used to invest in more resource or equipment in order to regularly and routinely maintain the drains?
Finally, can you confirm that those areas which have experienced recent flooding, where there are drain/culvert issues which have been raised with the authority, will be prioritised for drain/culvert works?
Minutes: Response by the Portfolio Holder:
Back in 2017 Highways Grounds Street Scene had 7 jetter gully sucker units, it was cut to 6 in 2018 and this was cut again to 4 in April 2019. Following these cuts the Department have tried to implement a county road gully programme, based around the strategic routes, but this just does not seem to work as there was always some adhoc work required or the Trunk Road Agency need the resource for Welsh Government roads. In addition to this the 4 Jetters currently work 30% of the year on trunk road and this income assist the service in maintaining the 4 vehicles.
Highways Operations are hoping the seasonal working due to start in the South in April 2022 will see the gully emptier being used for longer days in the summer and therefore the Trunk road programme will be completed in fewer days hopefully allowing more County road works. The Highways Team will detail this increase in productivity and it can be used as evidence to help push for seasonal working Countywide.
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