Millions to be spent on flood defences in north west London

Millions of pounds will be spent on creating natural flood defences in north west London as more than 1,000 homes remain at risk of being hit by regular flooding.

Harrow Council secured £6 million worth of funding to help address floods brought on by the Silk Stream, which runs along the border between Harrow and Barnet. 

The stream’s catchment area has suffered “serious flooding issues” in the past, with thousands of families potentially affected. 

These problems have been exacerbated over the years due to climate change and the changing landscape of the area with more homes being built. 

The charity Thames 21 explained flooding is a “serious concern” for those living in parts of Harrow, Barnet and Brent and can also have a negative impact on plants and wildlife. 

It said: “As the catchment has become increasingly urbanised with natural vegetation replaced by hard surfaces, water is less able to soak into the ground and during intense rainfall events water levels can rise rapidly, causing flooding.

“Pollution is another problem that affects the Silk Stream, coming from a variety of sources including plumbing misconnections and connectivity between the surface water and foul sewers. 

“During high rainfall events the sewers reach capacity and these problems are intensified.”

It added the project, which will run until 2027, will move away from the tradition of building concrete flood defences and will focus on “natural flood management”. 

This will include the creation of new wetlands in several parks and the introduction of “rain gardens”, which help remove pollutants from road run-off and slow the flow of water into sewage systems. 

Harrow Council is currently consulting with residents about any concerns they have around flooding and how these can be addressed. 

Cllr Varsha Parmar said: “Over the years residents have seen increasing and serious surface water and sewer flooding issues around this area and along with partners and community groups we are thrilled to have been awarded the funds to carry this project out. 

“Not only will this scheme take decisive action to prevent flooding, it will also help to combat climate change by adopting nature-based and sustainable solutions. 

“We are very keen to hear from residents via the consultation survey and will take their views into account during the initial stages of this project.”

https://www.times-series.co.uk/news/19655664.millions-spent-flood-defences-north-west-london/

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