by Nadia Sam-Daliri Drainage pipes neglected for many years are causing floods according to the council, who are now pressurising the water company to act. Engineers have told Brent Council that backed up water from poorly maintained

by Nadia Sam-Daliri

Drainage pipes neglected for 'many years' are causing floods according to the council, who are now pressurising the water company to act.

Engineers have told Brent Council that backed up water from 'poorly maintained' drains is the reason for repeated flooding in badly hit areas like Chichele Road, in Cricklewood.

Storm conditions this winter could worsen the situation, environment officers now fear.

Water pressure from public sewers has been known to blow-out manhole covers.

Cllr Daniel Brown, lead member for highways and transportation has written to Thames Water demanding action.

Cllr Brown said: "Residents are understandably angry, having suffered damage to cars, property and personal possessions and seeing their insurance premiums rocket. It has been suggested to me that the pipes have not been cleaned for 'many years'. This is now urgent."

The council is responsible for maintaining gullies and gutters but Thames Water maintains the sewers.

A Thames Water investigation into the Chichele Road flood earlier this year revealed debris and plant roots in the pipes.

A Thames Water spokeswoman said: "We will respond in detail to the points raised by councillor Brown. Sewer flooding is one of our top priorities. Our draft business plan submitted to Ofwat last month contains plans for three projects to reduce the risk of flooding in the Brent area."

The council hopes to get a response on what Thames Water plans to do next week.

nadia.sam-daliri@archant.co.uk