Ditch proposal to prevent flooding

A dry ditch will be built in Southwell to try to protect homes from flooding.

Southwell Town Council agreed to the ditch for Minster Fields, behind Farthingate.

It could potentially reduce the risk of flooding for residents of Harvey’s Field.

The town council has become the riparian owner of the stretch of the dyke that runs through the fields because it is leasing Minster Fields from Nottinghamshire County Council.

The dry ditch would run next to Potwell Dyke.

It is hoped that, if the dyke bursts its banks after heavy rain, water would flow into the ditch and not across the fields towards nearby homes.

Residents of Harvey’s Field were badly affected by flooding when the Potwell Dyke burst its banks in 2007.

A town councillor, Mr Peter Harris, said A. and V. Squires Plant of Southwell had offered to do the work for free.

In return, they wanted permission to put up a memorial to Mr Doug Squires who created Squire’s Pond on the edge of Minster Fields about 25 years ago.

Mr Harris said: “The memorial is likely to be a large boulder they dig out of somewhere and attach a plaque as a memorial to Doug’s involvement with Squire’s Pond.”

Mr Harris said the plans would not affect the fire brigade’s plans in case of fire at Southwell Minster, which involves blocking off the bridge over the dyke to create a pool of water that could be used to put out the fire.

He said: “They will still be able to do that. They will also have access to Squire’s Pond, which they didn’t have 30 or 40 years ago. I propose we accept this kind offer.”

Mr John Robinson said he had walked the length of the dyke and as long it was kept clear of debris he could not see any other problems that could cause flooding.

The council chairman, Mr Andy Gregory, said it was important the council recognised its responsibility as riparian owner of that stretch of the dyke.

He said: “Anything we can do to prevent future flooding we should do.”

e.hambidge@newarkadvertiser.co.uk