Residents and commuters were up in arms after torrential rain earlier this week (23 September 2024) on a road in North Acton has made parts of the area inaccessible and public transport being put on diversion.
A number of motorists attempted to go under a bridge on the flooded Victoria Road which resulted in their vehicles stopping after their engines stalled causing cars to be left on the road.
The 266 bus which runs along Victoria Road has also been diverted causing major disruption to locals.
A combination of heavy rain along with a Thames Water burst water main near Chandos Road is said to have been the cause of the flooding. Workers are currently making repairs and it’s expected to be completed on 2 October 2024.
The issue has prompted locals to vent their anger saying the flooding has been occurring for years.
One resident told EALING.NEWS: “This seems to happen so many times and it really is stressful to put up with it when it happens. There needs to be a proper solution to this problem. We can’t easily get a bus and even Uber drivers are cancelling pick-ups because of the hassle of getting here.”
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, an Ealing Council spokesperson said: “The highway gullies in Victoria Road, North Acton are regularly inspected and we are not aware of any blockages or other issues that would have contributed to the flooding in Victoria Road, North Acton on Monday morning. HS2 have also been carrying out regular inspections and cleansing of the gullies.”
They added: “We are aware that there is currently a Thames Water burst water main, which contributed to the flooding reoccurring on Wednesday morning. Thames Water are currently on site carrying out repairs and the estimated end date for the works is 2 October 2024. Victoria Road is now open, and Thames Water are carrying out their repair under two way temporary traffic lights.
“It is very likely that the Thames Water sewers were once again unable to cope with the deluge which caused the flooding. Highway gullies drain surface water runoff from roads and pavements into the Thames Water’s main sewers under the ground, however in rainstorm events the capacity of the main sewer network is often unable to cope with such intensities and/or prolonged period of rainfall. This can cause surface water to pool on the surface as the drainage system is backing up through the gullies from the Thames Water’s main sewers, but that does not necessarily mean that the gullies and/or sewers are blocked.
“Normally we suggest that at least three hours is allowed for the water to subside before action is taken. We are aware that the flood water dissipated over the course of the Monday morning and that Victoria Road was accessible again after several hours, which is indicative of inadequate capacity of the Thames Water sewers.”
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Recent heavy rain has shown how quickly a flash flood can inundate a street. Our firefighters know what they need to do in a flood, but it’s important Londoners know as well. We’d encourage you to follow our flooding advice.”
The Fire Brigade has also issued advice to people in the event of flooding of a property
- Call 999 if you are in immediate danger. Follow the advice of the operator and if you are told to evacuate, do so
- If you don’t evacuate when you are told you may be putting yourself and those people attempting to rescue you in greater danger
- If you do evacuate, make sure you bring your grab bag with you. This should contain the essential items you’d need if you left your home
- Turn off your gas supply, water and electricity supply, if it is possible and safe to do so
 on a road in North Acton has made parts of the area inaccessible and public transport cancelled.){kind=link}