Flood provision call over issues at The Strand in Wherstead

Suffolk county councillor for Belstead Brook, Christopher Hudson, emphasised the need for a review into flood provision along The Strand in Wherstead because of its effects on residents and drivers. 

The Strand is a busy route leading in and out of Ipswich, heading underneath the Orwell Bridge and to Freston.

But it has been plagued by flooding issues, which have been exacerbated in the wet weather of the last week.

Mr Hudson's call comes after Wherstead Parish Council reported to Suffolk Highways that during high tide river water is pushed back on the road near the Oyster Reach Beefeater restaurant.

The parish council has said that this is due to the flap valves on the drainage system failing to close.

It has reported the issue to Suffolk Highways, which accepted this is a priority issue and will be addressed in the next four months.

Cllr Hudson called for an urgent review of flood provisions on the road. (Image: Archant)

Mr Hudson said: "I would call for an urgent review of the flood provisions.

"I would support Wherstead Parish Council and the people who live there, but more particularly those driving through there who could be from anywhere.

"I think we need a serious and urgent review of the situation because it is a question of life and limb. 

"It is a question of threat to public safety."

Wherstead Parish Council has informed Suffolk Highways of the issue. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

He added that in an ideal scenario, Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk County Council along with the Highways committee should collaborate to review issues on The Strand. 

Mr Hudson noted that for the last 10 years, the road has been flooded at some point in every year - and believes that this should not be the case. 

Daniel Potter, district councillor (Image: Babergh District Council) Meanwhile, Babergh district councillor Daniel Potter said that due to heavy rainfall and the road being in a low-lying area, it is prone to flooding. 

The Green councillor said: "The Strand was partially flooded (this week) and it's a concern should there be more adverse weather on the way to that part of Wherstead facing the Orwell in close proximity." 

"Last year in October when there was severe flooding in other parts of the county the Orwell estuary generally didn't suffer in the same way.

"However, it is something to be alerted to given what has recently taken place."

He also encouraged residents to regularly visit checkforflooding.gov.uk to see the state of the road. 

Suffolk Highways said that the matter is a priority. (Image: Lucy Taylor)

A spokesperson for Suffolk Highways added: "A survey of the system will be arranged as soon as possible to determine the cause of the valves not closing as they should.

"Once the cause has been identified, any work required will be agreed and planned."