The park works for vital flood relief

A joint project between Ealing Council, Thames Water and the Environment Agency is providing vital flood protection for residents living around Lammas Park.

The proposed Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) project in Lammas Park, Ealing, will involve the creation of 2 new dry ponds/water storage basins and 2 water channels (known as culverts) which will protect properties around the park flood during high tide. periods of precipitation.

In addition to protecting against prolonged heavy rain or flash flooding, the ponds will help reduce pressure on local storm sewers, as rainwater will be stored in the pond and then slowly released into drains. At present, drains can quickly become overwhelmed with water, resulting in overflow and localized flooding.

The new water channels will connect to an existing channel in the north-west corner of Lammas Park, which already receives overflows from the Thames Water storm sewer.

Work is being done to reduce the risk of flooding

The Lammas Park area has been identified as a critical drainage area under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, with up to 2,700 properties vulnerable to flood risks. The construction of the SuDS will substantially reduce the number of properties at risk of flooding and reduce the impact of flash floods.

Work began this month (May) after initially being hampered by heavy spring rains which prevented work starting as planned earlier in the year. Work is expected to be completed by mid-autumn so residents can benefit from increased flood protection next winter and spring.

Once the work is completed, the park’s biodiversity and ecology will get a boost. The ponds and ponds will be supplemented with wetland plants, creating a range of new wildlife habitats surrounded by new grassland areas. Ponds can help store carbon through natural processes, and planting wetlands will improve stormwater quality by providing ecological filtration before it returns to local rivers.

As part of the project, a small number of trees will need to be removed. Any removal will be kept to a minimum and 3 new trees will be planted for every tree that is removed. There are also plans to use boulders and logs from trees that are removed to create natural play areas.

Flood prevention works are expected to be completed by September 2024, with landscaping, meadow planting and community activities taking place between September 2024 and March 2025.

The park will remain open throughout the works, with some areas being cordoned off for safety.

Due to the access works required on site, one of the entrances to the park on Elers Road will be closed. Residents are asked to use the other entrance on Elers Road, adjacent to Walpole Close, which is 150 meters away.

The soccer fields and playground will remain open for the duration of the project.

For more information on this flood prevention work visit the Ealing Planning Portal (Reference –232947FUL) or email [email protected] with any questions.