Work is starting on the long-awaited flood alleviation project in Venn Ottery on 27th August. The road from Newton Poppleford to Venn Ottery will be closed for 5 weeks.
John Galt Flood Resilience Project Engineer Devon County Council met with residents of
Venn Ottery on Tuesday 21st August. The contractors Kenaway have been appointed and
are commencing work on schedule on the new culvert to replace the existing inadequate
culvert and pipes and improve the exit of water across the Lynch Head Road thereby reducing flood risk to the village.
Alterations to the kerb and surface water drainage at the entrance to Barton Mews is also
part of the project, to direct water flow from Green Lane, and the Lynch Head Rd, away
from the entrance to Barton Mews. This will entail alteration to the entrance to Barton
Mews and the junction, which will also be guided by the Highways department.
Residents discussed the project with John Galt and will have opportunity to discuss the kerb
alterations with the contractors on site.
The ditch behind/adjacent to gardens of numbers 6,7,8, Barton Mews along the Lynch
Head Rd., has recently been dredged which has improved surface water flow in what was
previously often a stagnant muddy ditch. The highways dept. at the council have indicated
that keeping this ditch clear is the responsibility of residents. Devon County Council is only responsible for the verge along the road side.
Work will begin in earnest on Monday 2nd September. Considerable work will be required to cast the concrete culvert under the road and some adjustment of sewage pipe work, and surface water
drainage is required. In addition a mains water pipe which crosses the path of the new culvert will have to be altered – this work will be carried out by South West Water. The old culvert will be closed, but the open sump on the East side of the Lynch head Rd., and the 37cm pipe will be retained, this pipe will be enlarged. This sump collects surface water from the South side of the village (NP side). The new culvert will be designated a structure
and registered with Devon County Council “Bridges and structures” group to ensure it is
kept in good repair in the future.