Fears are growing over flooding on Stockport's roads and pavements due to blocked drains.

A new report from Stockport council found there has been an 'increase in resident reports' about streets and pavements being affected by water from blocked drains in need of clearing.

It shared that calls about problems on roads and pavements increased from more than 200 per year in 2021 up to more than 500 in 2023. The council said this is because more reports are being categorised and that overall complaints are falling.

The issue was discussed by the council's cabinet team on September 17, but some opposition councillors said residents are "concerned" about the state of the drains and called for more measures to address the matter.

Cllr Matt Wynne, leader of the Edgeley Community Association, said: "As we move into autumn, the leaves will come down once more and all the heavy rainfall with it, and current trends show more reports from residents of blocked gullies than the previous year.

"More resource in the form of a gully wagon is one solution, but it's about what can be afforded. That's a question for the cabinet to answer."

Labour Cllr Rachel Wise added: "Complaints about blocked drains and gullies are one of the most common reasons people reach out to their councillors and local Labour teams.

"Residents are obviously rightly concerned about flood risk and the council has an obligation to ensure that drains are maintained to a high enough standard."

(Image - Alasdair Perry)

In October last year, residents around Fir Road in Bramhall told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that blocked drains had left the street waterlogged and unusable after heavy rain.

The council cleared the blockage after the LDRS got in touch, a resident said.

Stockport council officers have proposed a number of ways to avoid blocked drains in future.

This includes 'addressing the root cause' such as litter and cars blocking gullies, as well as improving public awareness of the council's work on the issue.

At a council meeting in February, members agreed to pump an extra £160,000 into drain cleaning under an amendment to the budget.

Cllr Wise added that the council's proposals on drain cleaning should "ensure residents are getting the service they have a right to expect around this fundamental issue."

Cllr Grace Baynham, Stockport council's cabinet member for parks, highways, and transport services, said there has been an overall reduction in reports of gully problems in recent years, but that "more work lies ahead."

She added that the council's approach focuses on "regular inspections and cleaning across the borough rather than simply reacting to issues as they arise."

Cllr Baynham added: "Stockport, like councils across the country, is contending with the challenges of an ageing drainage system – parts of which are over 100 years old – the challenges posted by climate change and the continued reduction in financial support from central government for highways and asset maintenance.

"Despite these challenges, we remain committed to further improvements as we address these challenges and ensure our services are as effective and resilient as possible."

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