Board invests in main drain recovery works
ENVIRONMENT AGENCY RECOVERY FUND
The Board were successful, following an application for funding of £1.7m in 2025/26 to restore the Board's main Hobhole drain, as a result of the damage caused by storm Babet in 2023.
During the year we work along the Hobhole Drain from Lade Bank Pumping Station to 3 bridges to secure the banks for future years. This was achieved by:
- 3594m of stoning to prevent the eradication or undermining of the banks that naturally occurs through water flow
- 342m of piling to repair some existing slips but also to prevent potential future slips.
- 175m of Bushing to gain better access to assist with the full annual maintenance of the watercourse.
In addition, we also re-profiled the west bank of the Hobhole Drain between 3 Bridges and Bellwater bridge covering 1,147m. This included the creation of a Berm over that distance to create an area for biodiversity.
This work was necessary and has avoided an increase in drainage rates to deliver this work
Author: Darren Odams, Operations Manager
