Attended by representatives from:
- the developers MCA
- Anglian Water
- South Cambs DC
- Cambourne Parish Council
- RAFT
Martin Withers for RAFT was asked to explain the aims of the residents group.
There was a frank and open exchange from all parties about the issues surrounding the drainage problems in Cambourne.
Neville Stebbings (Cambourne Project Director) admitted there is a problem with surface water entering the foul water system and the current situation is unacceptable.
Maurice Gordon for the developers explained how the system in Cambourne should work and potentially where the surface water is entering the foul drain system. It is not clear if the water is entering from wrongly connected road drains or housing areas, or even from open manholes. MCA are working on isolating the source, but there are 12 km of main drains to inspect, (not including laterals). MCA have carried out a CCTV inspection of the drains to identify problems and have instigated work to a number of manholes and unused laterals. The work will continue into isolating the problems that need fixing. A sizeable budget has been agreed to resolve the issue.
MCA have recently installed a non return valve on the Damson Way drain to stop back flow from the TPS at School Lane. The drain is monitored, and when the pumping station is full the drain is also pumped out.
The Working Party set up by MCA to investigate the problem has been requested to carry out the following:
- Make a report before Easter on the time scales for carrying out the investigation and repairs.
- Take steps to improve the noise and disturbance from the tankers when used, or implement different solutions.
- Improve the clean up service being provided if there is another flood.
Q. Can the TPS take further development in Cambourne?
A. There are two rising mains in the TPS 200mm and 350mm. They are using the 200mm currently, which should be capable of handling the foul sewage if there were no run off water infiltration (Anglian Water are to confirm number of dwellings it is capable of taking). They cannot use the larger pipe as Uttons Drove is unable to take it until it has been upgraded. Using the larger pipe would only mitigate the problem not resolve it.
MCA are to report the results of a meeting to be held tomorrow
No one is taking responsibility for damage to resident’s property.
Residents are not able to insure their belongings due to the flooding history.
