Footpaths and Walking around Claygate

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MAJOR WORKS EASE FLOODING PROBLEMS

The section of bridleway under the railway bridge on Birchwood Lane – a popular route between the end of Coverts Road and Claremont Road – has often been seriously flooded and made impassable for long periods.

The flooding was caused by rainwater pouring off nearby fields into the ditch at the side of the bridleway and collecting at the low point under the railway bridge. In the absence of a culvert to take the water to a soakaway, the water flooded across the bridleway, carrying silt and debris with it, which in turn blocked the soakaway.

Since November 2019, the local British Horse Society representatives, who are also local horse riders, and Claygate Parish Council have been pushing various parties for a solution.

Flood reports were commissioned by the landowner’s agents and in late 2021, French drainage pipes (perforated pipes) were installed under the surface, along with a new manhole chamber, and the soakaway was jet blasted to clear blockages.

In Autumn 2023 the drainage ditches were made deeper and were extended to connect directly to the French drainage pipework. Grate covers were also installed to prevent blockages of the drains.

These works have helped to reduce both the frequency of the flooding and the 􀀐me it takes flood water to recede – days rather than weeks.

Author: A British Horse Society volunteer

source: Claygate Courier, March 2024 issue, page 13