Increased flooding in Brighton due to dumped construction waste

Highway teams for Brighton and Hove City Council have noted an increase in the amount of cement, concrete, plaster and other building materials in drains, most recently at Matlock Road and Tivoli Road in Brighton and Poplar Avenue in Hove.

The material has contributed to clogged drains and storm drains, resulting in flooded streets and sidewalks.

Builders, tradesmen and residents doing home improvement have been urged to dispose of construction waste properly and not to direct it down city drains and gullies.

Council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty said: “Flooding is increasing for a range of reasons, from paving of gardens to more frequent extreme weather events caused by climate change.

“Whether the flood problem worsens or worsens in our everyday lives depends on all of us.

“A small minority of homes and businesses clog drains with construction debris. This increases the likelihood of further street flooding during heavy rains, not to mention the actual danger to people’s homes.

“We all have a responsibility to dispose of construction waste responsibly. In the case of the households and businesses causing blockages, we as Council will take enforcement action to prevent and prevent this from happening.”

Anyone found to be dumping commercial waste illegally can be fined £400 and/or prosecuted. The municipality can also try to reimburse the cost of the damage caused.

Stephen Williams, Network Protection Enforcement Manager at Southern Water said: “Clogs caused by construction debris are a real problem that can cause flooding and major problems on our network and even environmental issues – all of which can impact our customers.

“We’ve had several instances of sewers requiring lengthy repairs due to debris, so we really appreciate the help businesses and households are helping to prevent these problems.”

Citizens can dispose of a range of items at the municipality’s household waste recycling centers, including general garden waste, MDF and wood composites, scrap metal, wood, motor oil and paint.