Ashcroft Road in Ipswich to receive council funding

Suffolk County Council have agreed to partially fund the installation of a SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) at Ormiston Endeavour Academy in Defoe Road to help Anglian Water to deal with flooding on Ashcroft Road in Castle Hill.

The project is set to cost between £12,000 to £13,000 according to estimates although the full cost won't be known until it is completed. 

SuDS refers to a series of environmentally friendly techniques which aim to control surface water runoff particularly in urban areas.

They provide an alternative to alternative to the direct channelling of surface water through networks of pipes and sewers. 

SuDS reduce water flow, increase water storage capacity, and reduce the transport of pollution.

It is hoped that by reducing the volume of water entering the system and delaying the discharge of surface water by providing storage Anglian Water's infrastructure won't be overwhelmed following excessive rainfall. 

Once Ormiston Endeavour agreed to have the system installed Anglian Water requested funding from Suffolk County Council.

Flooded gardens in Ashcroft Road last year. (Image: Hilary Bond)

Although the project isn't technically the responsibility of Suffolk County Council, they have agreed to provide 50% of the funding.

Conservative Castle Hill Ipswich Borough councillor for Castle Hill Sam Murray thanked the county council for agreeing to fund the project.

She said: "I hope that this measure will soon bring tangible benefits to the residents, and I will continue to pursue further initiatives alongside this one.

"The issue is complex, and I remain in regular contact with Anglian Water and the highways department at Suffolk County Council. I am thankful to SCC for agreeing to provide 50% funding towards this Anglian Water project.”

Flooding on Ashcroft Road in May 2023 (Image: Hilary Bond)

Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding, said: “The county council has committed to part-fund a project which will help capture and reuse rainwater on private land, whilst alleviating flooding on the roads surrounding Ashcroft Road – a great example of partnership working.

"We will continue to work with Anglian Water and the community on delivering this work and I look forward to seeing the project come to fruition.”

In May 2023, Ashcroft Road was hit by severe flooding as water was seen spilling out onto the road from a drain following heavy rainfall.

During the flash floods, carpets were ruined, and water level reached a foot deep.

Councillor Sam Murray (Image: Newsquest) During one incident manhole covers were forced out of the ground during a particularly wet period. 

It has been a long-term issue on the road which has experienced regular flooding for years following heavy rainfall.

Anglian Water were contacted for comment.