Blocked gullies in Shaw and Crompton

Drivers and pedestrians in parts of Oldham are being put ‘in danger’ by blocked storm drains, according to a councillor.

Roads in Shaw and Crompton have been impacted by flooding despite clogged gullies being reported to the council ‘over several months’, it is claimed.

Councillor Howard Sykes said: “There’s dozens of blocked gullies. Some of them haven’t been cleared for years. And some aren’t scheduled to be cleared until May. 

“It causes these big, dirty puddles. At best, it means pedestrians get soaked. At worst, it’s dangerous as drivers have to swerve into the other side of the road to avoid the water, and pedestrians have to go for a paddle just to cross the road. 

“It especially affects people in wheelchairs or parents pushing prams.” 

Milnrow Road is one of the most affected, with the highway frequently pictured on social media with a large build-up of water. Coun Sykes reported the issue in December, but claims he has still had ‘no response’ from the council. 

“It’s like talking to a brick wall,” he added. “It makes people feel the area is unloved and uncared for.”

Other roads with recurrent waterlogs include Cowie Street, Smallbrook Road, and Glebe Street. And roads have been affected in Royton and Saddleworth too. 

The council claims the issues are linked to heavy rainfall rather than blocked gullies. But it’s not the first time the local authority has come under fire for its slow response to clogged drains. 

Environmental officers started a ‘ward-by-ward’ cleaning system, and council bosses last year admitted to ‘significant delays’ to the schedule due to staff issues. 
Cllr Chris Goodwin, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “When we get very heavy rainfall, water can build up on roads, especially in low-lying areas. This is usually due to the sheer volume of rainfall rather than a failure of the drainage infrastructure, which continues to operate as designed.

“We work closely with partner agencies on flooding and surface water management across the borough, and we keep an eye on areas more likely to be flooded during extreme weather.”

Cllr Goodwin added the council ‘has made significant investment’ in their gulley cleaning teams, who have cleared more than 20,000 drains across the borough so far. 

“Where there is a risk of property flooding or highway safety, due to a blocked gully, we will deviate from the programme,” he explained. “In all other cases, to ensure we deliver the programme, the teams will continue to work through each ward in order.

“Our teams work hard to regularly inspect and clear gullies as part of an ongoing maintenance programme and public safety always remains our top priority.”