Culvert clearing questioned ahead of stormy season
By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter
During the questions from the public section of Powys County Council’s (PCC) meeting this coming Thursday, Sharon Jones will ask Cllr Jackie Charlton, the cabinet member for highways and climate change, about culvert clearing.
Culverts are enclosed channels, pipes or tunnels built to allow water to flow from one place to another.
Ms Jones, whose location isn’t known, said: “I would like to know the policy that PCC works to in respect of culvert clearance? In particular near properties that have experienced severe flooding.
“After a visit from highways in June 2025, we were told that the culverts that run adjacent to our property would be cleared at the latest by winter 2025.
“We are now approaching autumn 2026 with no progress or plan.
“The residents have chased up numerous times; the latest excuse was that they were unable to complete any works due to bird nesting.
“This bird nesting period has now passed, yet still no communication on when this work will be completed by PCC.
“I would like to take this opportunity to explain further why the anxiety – we were flooded in summer 2007 and our home was inhabitable for nearly six months, living with my young family in a caravan on our drive.”
Cllr Charlton (Liberal Democrat – Llangattock and Llangynidr) will answer: “The council’s policy on maintenance of gullies and culverts is contained within the Highways Asset Management Plan (HAMP).
“Within the HAMP, culverts are included within the Structures asset group and are managed under the structures inspection regime rather than a routine cleansing programme.”
Cllr Charlton explained that the HAMP records that there are 1,697 bridges and culverts looked after by the highways department.
For culverts that are classified as major structures, the plan requires three types of inspection.
General inspections take place every two to three years, principal inspections take place as required, and special inspections are carried out where concerns exist regarding structural integrity.
Assessments look at the condition of the structure, damage, drainage and any other visual defects.
Cllr Charlton continued: “With regards to the specific culvert at your property, this is routinely inspected, with maintenance undertaken where necessary, taking account of condition, risk, accessibility, environmental requirements, and the safety of our workforce.”
Cllr Charlton explained that maintenance work has finished at the location and this included removing foliage and overhanging branches, and clearing accumulated debris from the mouth of the culvert.
Several coping stones on the adjacent wall have also been reset.
Cllr Charlton said: “The culvert remains open and is conveying water.
“The council will continue to monitor the location and undertake further maintenance where inspections identify this to be necessary.”
Under the rules, Ms Jones is able to ask an extra question at the meeting.
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