Anger as Salford broken drains cause frequent flooding

Salford Council has been accused of doing "too little too late"

Frequent flooding caused by neglected and broken drains is a "disgrace", a council's opposition leader has said.

Robin Garrido accused Salford Council of letting the drains deteriorate and doing "too little too late".

A report produced by the Labour-run authority has revealed a backlog of repairs.

A £450,000 funding package has been approved, with repair work prioritised in order of severity.

Conservative leader Mr Garrido said he had constantly received calls and emails from residents complaining.

He said major work was needed and warned it would cost more to carry out the repairs now the drains had deteriorated.

Mr Garrido told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "It's a disgrace that Salford has let the drains get in such a state.

"These have been deteriorating for a number of years, some areas have suffered from flooding frequently.

"While the money is welcome, it's too little too late."

Mr Garrido said residents in places including Worsley Road and Barton Road in Worsley and Worsley Road in Winton were experiencing problems.

Councillor Bob Clarke said Linkfield Drive in Boothstown was another area.

'Backlog of repairs'

Salford's deputy mayor Tracy Kelly approved the funding package on Monday.

Surveys by the council found "many defective gullies and connections", mostly caused by damaged pipework.

A report admitted there was a "backlog of repairs" that needed addressing in order of severity.

Damaged drains which could cause flooding and affect properties are among the criteria for repairs, as well as locations next to footways.

More than 6,000 highway drainage defects have been fixed since 2010, the council said.

The authority has identified a further 32 highway drain repair requirements across Worsley and Westwood Park, and Boothstown and Ellenbrook this year.

It is part of a total of 184 repairs due to take place around the city under the new programme.

A council spokesman said: "The works on our highways drainage systems are to ensure that Salford can keep moving.

"Investigations have identified where works need to take place and to provide flood alleviation work on the network for the financial year ahead.

"Works will take place in each ward in the city in priority order."

The office of Salford Mayor Paul Dennett was contacted for comment.