New gulley cleaning operation starts

Oldham Council is launching a new boroughwide gulley clearing operation.

The clean-up – part of the council's Don’t Trash Oldham campaign – will help water drain off our roads, preventing a build-up and cutting the risk of flooding to homes and properties.

Councillor Chris Goodwin, Cabinet Member for Don’t Trash Oldham, said: “Keeping highways gullies clear is important.

“Over the last few years parts of Oldham have experienced some flooding.

"These have mainly been at hotspot areas and places close to rivers that have burst their banks.

"But if we can keep the gullies as clear as possible then we’ll be doing our bit to ease the issue.

“We are also starting this clean up after listening to residents.

"Any councillor will tell you they are one of the biggest issues raised with them.

“We understand it can be frustrating to see a blocked gulley on their street.

"So, we’ve taken the feedback on board and getting on with the job.”

The borough has more than 47,500 gullies so cleaning them all is a huge job and will take time.

The council has hired an additional vehicle and reshaped its highways team so they can work more efficiently over the coming months.

They will be cleaning the gullies on a rolling ward by ward basis.

Officers have identified which areas need cleaning first using data which shows which ward has had the least gulley inspections over the past three years.

They will be starting off in Alexandra on September 16 and finishing in Crompton.

Once operatives have cleaned an area they will return on a cyclical basis – although if a gulley is blocked and there is a threat of flooding, they will clean it in an emergency if notified.

When they are moving to a new ward they will share the information on the council’s social media and news channels.

Cllr Goodwin added: “Everyone can do their bit to help out - if you know we are going to be cleaning gullies in the area you live in then make sure your vehicle isn’t parked over one.

"We can’t clean it if we can’t get to it.

“We want to get the basics right and ensure everyone lives in a cleaner, greener, place.

"Don’t Trash Oldham is not just about fly-tipping and waste - it’s about improving the whole environment.”

To find out the order the council will be cleaning up the wards, please click here

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