Work to reduce Onchan flood risk next year

Wed, 07 Dec 2016

The Chairman of Manx Utilities says work to reduce flooding in Onchan will be undertaken next April.

Alex Allinson confirmed in this week's sitting of the House of Keys that investigations to find the cause of repeat floods in Ashley Hill, Laurel Avenue, Kaighan's Lane and Hackett Close have been undertaken.

Undersized highway drains combined with steep hills is to blame for flooding in gardens in the area, while overland water also gets unto the sewage system.

Dr Allinson revealed that the Department of Infrastructure will lead work to construct new soakaways, but that an off-Island constructor needs to be found first because of the equipment needed for such works.

Onchan MHK Rob Callister - who raised the issue - voiced disappointment that residents will have to endure another winter before the problem is solved.