Working Together In Adverse Weather
High winds and heavy rain are causing the autumn leaves to fall from the trees at a rapid rate, increasing the risk of flooding .
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Streetcare team are out and about collecting leaves but residents are also encouraged to collect fallen leaves from their property if they are able to do so.
Leaves and other debris can cause major problems as they are often the main culprits of flooding as many of them end up blocking drains and culverts.
Local residents are asked, if it is safe and they are capable of doing so, to remove fallen leaves and debris from around private drains on or around their property, where possible, in a bid to prevent future flooding.
The Council is asking residents to contact the Council if they spot any obstructions or potential problems and are unable to safely remove them, themselves.
The Council’s dedicated teams are out and about in all weather tackling any adverse weather conditions that may occur. The Streetcare team is carrying out daily leaf fall sweeps in known areas and town centres to remove debris and minimise the risk of flooding.
In addition to daily leaf sweeps the Council is also monitoring around 960 culverts and more than 90,000 gullies in a bid to minimise flooding as much as possible.
Cllr Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “It is that time of year again when it is important that we keep an eye on leaf fall and deal with this before it becomes an issue.
“As the leaves continue to fall from trees at a rapid rate due to the heavy rain and high winds, there is always a risk that blocked drains could cause some traffic disruption due to localised flooding.
“Our residents need to be assured that Council officers are constantly monitoring the weather conditions and our Streetcare Team is working to address situations with as little disruption as possible.”
Public safety will remain paramount and the public is urged to work with the Council. It is often the case that small piles of leaves and debris can build up on a drain cover, which can potentially cause a flooding issue.
Simply clearing them can ease the wider risk of water build-up and flooding.
To report incidents during office hours, call 01443 425001 or email CustomerServices@rctcbc.gov.uk
The Council’s Out of Hours and Emergency telephone number is 01443 425011.
