Grants worth £140,000 pave way for flood alleviation schemes at three Redbridge schools

Three local schools severely impacted by flash flooding incidents in the borough will benefit from greater flood protection thanks to two sizeable grants secured by Redbridge Council.

The works, designed to reduce the risk of flooding at the schools, are being implemented at Ilford Jewish Primary School, King Solomon High School and Caterham High School after the Council secured grants from the Department of Education and Thames Water, totalling £140,000.

The three schools were selected after being adversely affected by flood damage during the widespread and destructive storms of July 2021, and periods of heavy rain after.

Under the funding, a range of sustainable drainage schemes (SuDS) are being implemented at the schools, work has already been completed at Ilford Jewish Primary School, on Forest Road.

SuDS reduce the risk of flooding by mimicking natural drainage processes to slow the flow of surface water entering sewers, drains and watercourses – helping to prevent them from becoming overwhelmed and flooded during heavy rainfall.

The eco-friendly schemes can also provide valuable habitats for wildlife in urban areas and create more green spaces for local people.

Overwhelmed sewers and drains during heavy rainfall were one of the main causes for recent flooding incidents in the borough.

As part of the SuDS work completed at Ilford Jewish Primary School, working with Meristem Design and Kenson Highways, the Council has installed specially adapted planters that connect to the school’s rainwater drainage system.

Acting as a flash flood and stormwater management solution, the planters feature an internal reservoir and have a slow-release drainage system to ensure heavy rainfall does not overwhelm the school site or local sewer system.

The bright flower filled planters also boost local biodiversity, helping cultivate new wildlife habitats around the school.

Similarly designed planters are set to be installed at King Solomon High School, in Forest Road, with work beginning in summer.

A larger programme of works will also begin this year at Caterham High School, in Caterham Avenue, which includes several sustainable drainage schemes across areas of the school prone to flooding.

The works will include the installation of water retention spaces, soakaways for removing excess surface water, and swales - shallow vegetated ditches that blend in with the local landscape to support water drainage and encourage natural irrigation.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability Cllr Jo Blackman said: “Redbridge is seeing the effects of climate change with more frequent bouts of flooding from torrential rain. To help reduce the impact of flash floods in our local communities and schools we are investing in a wide range of flood alleviation measures, including the use of SuDS to help reduce flood risks in the most impacted parts of the borough. The planters at the schools are a natural way to support the local drainage infrastructure and encourage biodiversity in the borough.”

Flood Awareness Roadshow:

The last in a series of community-based Flood Awareness Roadshows is being held by Redbridge Council on Tuesday 4 July, 5pm-7.30pm, on Atherton Road, at the junction with Roundaway Road, IG5 0PQ. Local people are invited to attend to find out about the schemes at the schools, ask questions and:

• Discover how the council is helping protect local homes in areas prone to flooding
• Watch demos and view examples of anti-flooding devices for the home, and what you can do to help reduce flooding in your area
• Find out about local schemes aimed at reducing flood risks in the borough
• Meet and hear from partner organisations working with the council on local flood alleviation schemes
• Receive a free handy Council leaflet packed with information on staying flood aware, how to protect your home and what to do in a flooding emergency, along with lots of other useful advice

To attend, simply turn up. No booking required.

For more information on staying flood aware, go to the council’s flooding web page on:  https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/flooding

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