Road closed. Pic: Zach Inglis
Croydon Council has enforced road closures today following a severe weather warning issued by the Met Office.
The A22 Godstone Road to Downs Court Road Purley (A2022) and the Croydon Road Whyteleafe (B2208) will remain closed due to large flood waters until further notice. The decision to close the roads was made jointly with the London Fire Brigade, Thames Water and the Environment Agency.
The Harris Primary Academy in Kenley will remain closed for the rest of the week. Students will be taught at the school’s sister branch, Harris Primary Academy, in Purley, Woodcote Primary School and Woodcote High School. Those in nursery will be given activities via the school’s website.
Recycling and refuse collections have also been postponed until further notice.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles visited Kenley this morning to see the effects of the floods. The MP visited the Kenley water works and surrounding area of Godstone Road. Earlier, Pickles said that the Government would “spend whatever it takes” to keep people dry and safe.
Last Friday, firefighters transformed Purley Cross junction into an emergency pond to try to control mass flooding. They pumped 5,000 litres of water a minute away from the water treatment plant in Kenley, in an effort to protect over 46,000 properties that had been affected by severe flooding on Thursday night.
A council statement read: “As the situation in the area continues to deteriorate, and with more heavy rain forecast, a decision has been made to pump excess water away from the worst affected areas and into the Purley Cross gyratory pedestrian underpass. This action is being taken in a bid to protect around 400 homes and businesses and to keep the Kenley water treatment works from being flooded by surging water.”
Croydon council have urged the public to use the pedestrian path while Purley Cross remains closed.
In Hackney, the weather warning is longer in force. However, the Environmental Agency have issued a warning to say that the levels on the Lower River Lee are still sensitive to rainfall and heavy showers are forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Lewisham Council is asking residents, businesses and community organisations about their opinions on flooding in the borough. The survey, which closes March 9, hopes to inform the borough’s flod risk management strategy.
Check for regular updates about the flooding in Croydon.
