Blocked brook floods opticians (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Blocked brook floods opticians

1:50pm Wednesday 12th November 2008

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LITTER louts and anti-social people have been blamed for flooding out a Bromsgrove business.

Michael Hampton, from Hamptons Opticians in Crown Close, was devastated when he walked into his premises one Monday morning to find his carpeted floor under water.

“I was so upset to find water all over my carpet, especially after we were totally flooded out four years ago.”

Michael Hampton, from Hamptons Opticians in Crown Close

Following a rainy weekend, the Spadesbourne Brook had overflowed, but the problem was caused by a blockage caused by items such as a shopping trolley, bottles, buckets and a child’s pram which people had thrown in.

“I had noticed the brook was rising and it was full of rubbish, and informed the council, but nothing was done,” said Mr Hampton. “I was so upset to find water all over my carpet, especially after we were totally flooded out four years ago.” Now his business is closed for three weeks until the damage to the floor is repaired.

Mr Hampton said he alerted the district council’s environmental health department three times to say the brook was blocked and he feared the worst, but no action was taken until after the flood.

Mike Bell, head of street scene for Bromsgrove District Council, said the drainage system and road gullies are the responsibility of the county council and it should monitor them and clean them as necessary.

Responsibility for the brook, he said, rested with riparian owners. Mr Bell added: “Unfortunately the riparian owners are often absent landlords so we end up removing debris when it is potentially at risk of causing a flood, but we do this for the benefit of the community.”

A spokeswoman for Worcestershire County Council said: “It is unfortunate that Spadesbourne Brook in Crown Close, Bromsgrove, flooded and businesses have been affected. We would encourage the owner of Hampton Opticians to contact us directly so that we can further investigate the issue of flooding in this area.”

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