Date: 12/12/2007
Despite seven days of heavy rain, a £20,000 increase of resources to improve the Council's gulley and street cleansing service has helped to alleviate flooding around the High Peak.
Over 70 priority streets were swept prior to the excessive rainfall, and Council officers visited areas subject to flooding to arrange emergency action where necessary.
The improved street-cleaning programme, which started last month during the leaf fall, has improved road sweeping by targeting priority areas where leaves and detritus gather and block gullies to cause flooding. Increased gully emptying and a speedier response to residents' complaints have also helped to prevent blockages.
The Council has also been informing residents about exactly when their roads will be cleaned so that cars are not left parked in these areas.
The improved service will benefit from further additional funding of £20,000 provided by Derbyshire County Council from April 2008.
Councillor John Haken, High Peak Borough Council's Executive Member for the Environment, said: "The timing of the sweeping and clearing was vital in keeping the number of incidents of street flooding to a minimum last week.
"We aim to keep the environment as pleasant as possible for all of our residents and visitors. The increased investment in street cleansing and gully clearing programme means that we can continue to improve our performance."
He added: "We also rely on residents to help by telling us about blocked gullies and by parking their cars away from the areas to be cleaned, so that the sweepers and cleaners are not obstructed. Let's all continue to work together for a clean and bright Borough."