Gardens resemble ponds due to flooding

Residents on Mulberry Close in Newport, Shropshire, are facing severe garden flooding, with water levels reaching approximately two feet. The water has transformed backyards into pond-like spaces, all adjacent to a large local mere.

Jackie, a long-time resident of over 20 years, described the situation as unprecedented, saying she had "never experienced anything like this before." Another resident, Jay, who lives at the lower end of the street, noted that flooding in the area has escalated recently. "I can't use the back gate anymore," he explained, predicting that the gardens may remain waterlogged well into next year.

Jackie added that the flooding has persisted for six to eight weeks and appeared after heavy rainfall, uncovering a blockage that had been present for around a year. She emphasized the inconvenience for residents, highlighting that dirty water has spread across gardens, many of which contain children's toys.

Severn Trent engineers investigated the site and confirmed that the blockage causing the flooding is not connected to their water network. "We can confirm the flooding on the mere is not linked to the Severn Trent network," stated a company spokesperson, adding that the council is being supported to find a solution.

Telford & Wrekin councillor Andrew Eade noted that the problem was initially identified by a water company engineer about a year ago and confirmed via camera inspection two weeks ago. He highlighted that the overflowing pipe has caused gardens to flood to a considerable depth, resulting in significant distress for local residents.

The water company checked its network on December 3 and confirmed that the blockage is external to their system, and continues to collaborate with the council to address the issue.

Analysis: Mulberry Close Flooding Situation

The recent flooding on Mulberry Close in Newport, Shropshire, has reached unprecedented levels, with water accumulating up to two feet in residents' gardens. Long-term resident Jackie emphasized that such extensive flooding is entirely new to the area, highlighting both the scale and duration of the problem.

Investigations by Severn Trent confirmed that the blockage causing the flooding is not part of their water network. The company is actively supporting the council in identifying a resolution, reinforcing that the cause is external to the public water system.

Telford & Wrekin councillor Andrew Eade pointed out that the overflow was initially identified a year ago, with recent inspections confirming its severity. The flooding has significantly disrupted daily life, including limiting access to back gardens and spreading contaminated water across spaces used by children.

Residents have already experienced six to eight weeks of persistent waterlogging following heavy rainfall. Both local authorities and the water company are engaged in ongoing efforts to resolve the issue, though long-term solutions remain pending.

Sources:

• Flooding makes gardens 'look like a pond'