To receive the above presentation.

Simon Dale, Interim Head of Highways, introduced the item and welcomed Daron Mizen and Mark Kellie of Volker Highways to the meeting. Daron Mizen started by introducing Ashley Rymer, Managing Director of Map 16. Daron Mizen explained Volker used Map 16’s software programme to track and record gully work that had been undertaken, or was planned. Ashley Rymer told members that the programme enabled records to be updated in real time by teams carrying our maintenance work, and held information over the course of many years in order to build up a picture of what work had been carried out and to identify where problem areas may occur. The software contained details on matters such as any defects that were recorded, excessive levels of silt, gullies that could not be accessed due to obstructions such as parked cars, and it was also possible to upload photos of each location and the work carried out onto the system. Over time it would be possible to identify which locations were at most risk. Daron Mizen added the entire system had been digitised.

Members were shown an example of one of the vehicles used for gully emptying and cleaning. Daron Mizen said it was possible to use CCTV to examine problems that could not be cleared, and the vehicles were on standby for use 24 hours a day. There were more than 50 supply chain operatives available to provide this service. An out-of-hours team could be on site within two hours. The team also had access to more than 300 temporary road signs, traffic lights, and at least 5,000 bags that could be filled with sand. Of these, 500 would be kept full at any time. Volker had access to 10,000 tons of sand to fill the sandbags when required.

When a gully was cleared, the waste was collected and used for other purposes. For example sand and small stones could be used in concrete mix, organic waste could be used for topsoil, and oil could be extracted for further uses. Any litter that could not be reclaimed was sent to landfill. Daron Mizen said this helped to provide financial savings to the Council.

Members were told grips and grilles were cleared on a weekly basis, and Volker was responsible for keeping clear 118 small ladders that helped toads migrate without them having to cross busy roads. Daron Mizen said Volker was not responsible for car parks or private roads, although they would do works if requested to do so. Volker would liaise with Sue Fox, Principle Commissioning Officer, to prioritise budget areas. There was a budget this year for Volker to clean and clear up to 200 soakaways. Mike Williams said he was pleased with this, as there had been problems with soakaways around The Green in Wraysbury.

Responding to a question from Cllr Brar, Daron Mizen said sandbags could be delivered directly to residents if requested. Simon Dale said the policy had been updated following reviews into flooding in 2014 and 2021. However he reminded members that there was not an infinite number of sandbags and they would only be provided to habitable properties, so garages, sheds and outhouses at risk of flooding would not be sandbagged. Simon Dale asked if the unrecyclable litter collected during gully clearing could be taken to energy from waste plants for incineration. Daron Mizen said he would look into this and see what percentage of waste collected wasn’t usually recyclable.

Daron Mizen said some gullies would be cleared on a more regular basis if they were identified as being at greater risk of causing flooding. All gullies would be cleared quarterly at the very least.

Simon Dale asked if the presentation slides could be circulated to members.

Action: Presentation slides to be circulated to members of the Flood Liaison Group.