Thanks to residents for their good wishes for my surgery last week (nothing to worry about). It went well and whilst I can't attend Parliament for a few weeks, I can do online meetings, although camera off as I look a bit rough! And no, I haven't been in for a face lift!
I did an online meeting this morning with Network Rail regarding the subways as I continue to work with them and pressure for the new drainage system we really need.
Residents might have seen a bit of activity in recent weeks and will see some more on Wednesday evening which will result in a road closure from about 10pm for further works. These remain the short term 'sticking plaster' fixes whilst a new drainage system for each of the subways is being worked up and designed.
The recent measures include -
*
- The installation of the 'weep holes' and down pipes residents may have seen added to both subways recently. These are to try to draw some of the water that seeps through the walls due to the high water table we have locally.
*
- There have been some new drainage channels added too to convey this water.
*
- Works are taking place to fix some issues with the drainage from the station which was causing water from the actual station itself to surcharge into the subway drainage system. These broken pipes are going to be fixed which should ensure that water from the station drains properly into the Yorkshire Water system.
*
- The works we secured a few years back for regular cleaning of the sump and pumps will take place this Wednesday. To access these a road closure is necessary which is scheduled for overnight on Wednesday.
*
*
In terms of the long term fixes -
*
- Network Rail has funding in the 2022-23 financial year to fully design up the new drainage system. The plan is to design two separate systems for each subway with new pumps located in each subway.
*
- The current pumps, which are accessed via the middle of the road, will be taken out of service meaning road closures would not be needed in future to access the pumps and sumps.
*
- Network Rail say that the new system will likely be very costly but they now have agreement across all their various departments for the works. As such, they hope that the new systems will be installed in the next 2-3 years.
*
That may seem some time off but at least we are finally getting there and Network Rail have continued to undertake other short-term 'sticking plaster' solutions in the interim.
At the start of all this a few years back when I brought all the parties together, there was disagreement between the authorities as to who was responsible for what, there was no proper mapping or understanding of the current drainage arrangements and little agreement as to what needed to be done.
By applying regular pressure and working together we have got action and significant improvements are now on the cards. I will continue to keep the pressure up and Network Rail are providing me with a full update on their activities in writing by the end of the week which I will share.
.JPG)