I was pleased to join ward colleague Cllr Ian Parker and Luke Shortland in a meeting with Thames Water representatives as a follow up to earlier contacts regarding the devastating impact of sewage leaks affecting Chipstead Valley Road and surrounding roads. We were joined by representatives from Reigate Borough, Surrey County Council, the offices of Crispin Blunt and Chris Philp MP and Neil Garratt - GLA member for Croydon and Sutton.
The investigatory works carried out by Thames Water have now concluded and a number of defects dealt with. A particular sewage holding tank (located near the Midday Sun allotments behind Chipstead Valley Road) benefitted from a ‘five man entry’ to clean and service the tank, removing any blockages. Thames Water believe that this tank may have released a blockage of its own accord, and that was what caused the sewage leak, though this may not be the definitive cause. Three other underground tanks in the area have also been serviced. They will be serviced annually to avoid any future issue.
3km of sewers have been cleaned and surveyed (from the Lion Green Road Post Office to the Midday Sun pub) but no major defects were found. 385 metres of lining have been put in place to rectify hairline fractures that were identified. New sewage depth monitors and alarms have been installed to provide an emergency alert should sewage levels rise again.
We asked that a newsletter be circulated quickly to local residents to inform residents of the steps that have been taken to ensure the dreadful problems aren’t repeated. It is worth saying that this specific type of sewage leak is rare and shouldn't happen again, but that doesn't mean the sewers on Chipstead Valley Road won't flood again. This is a longer-term issue in the region. We're told Thames Water is working on a solution.
We were somewhat reassured by what we heard but we will continue to monitor the situation over the coming weeks and months.
