Working in partnership to reduce flooding in Hampshire village
We’re working with the Environment Agency and Colden Common Parish Council to ensure vital work is carried out at Church Lane pond.
Playing our part in reducing flooding at Church Pond in Colden Common
Church Pond in Colden Common is undergoing a range of improvements that will help protect residents from flooding in the area.
History of Church Pond
Church Pond was constructed in 1996 when St Vigor Way and the surrounding roads and development took place. The pond and the surrounding land ownership was transferred to the Parish Council at the time of development.
The pond takes away surface water away from the surrounding areas to prevent flooding in the lower parts of Colden Common towards Brambridge.
Why this work needs to be done?
Over the years the pond has accumulated lots of silt from the water which originates from the highways storm drains and leaf litter from the surrounding trees. This silt accumulation means that the ponds capacity is greatly reduced. This results in the mechanism (hydrobrake) for reducing the flow of water out of the pond not working correctly, releasing water too quickly which presents a flood risk.
During times of low rainfall the water levels are too low leaving areas of the pond with no water, just silt.
Stakeholder Engagement Manager for Hampshire, Nicholas Davis said:
“We’re keen to play our part to reduce flooding in our region and a key aspect of this is working with partners to see where we can make a difference. This project will ensure that customers in the Colden Common area will be better protected from flooding as the pond will have much greater capacity.”
Area Flood Advisor at the Environment Agency Artur Podsiadly,, said: “We welcome the opportunity to work in partnership to reduce flood risk to Colden Common by increasing storage capacity of this important flood asset.
“By removing the naturally accumulating silt in Church Pond, we will be able to work more efficiently in retaining the flood water in the upper section of the catchment.
“Our Hydrobreak system will slow down flows by retaining water in the balancing pond, reducing the risk of flooding to local homes and businesses.”
Chair of Colden Common Parish Council, Cllr Maggie Hill said:
“These works were necessary for flood prevention. We are very thankful to both the Environment Agency and Southern Water for their financial support which has enabled us to deliver this project and reduce the risk of flooding in our community.”
How is this being funded?
Both Southern Water and the Environment Agency will contribute £20,000 towards the cost of the works – the overall cost of the project is £58,000
For further information about the project visit Church Pond flood protection and bio-diversity works