Gullies in Dudley to be cleaned ahead of big freeze
Around 7,500 more gullies will be cleaned in the Black Country in a bid to beat the big freeze and clean up residential roads.
Dudley Council bosses said the new scheme – which comes following scores of requests from residents – will also reduce the risk of flash floods.
It will mean that more will be cleaned in 2018/19 compared to the year before, improving overall road conditions during the winter period.
Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, Dudley Council's cabinet member for environmental services, said: "We have listened to our residents and responded. We are delighted to announce this programme, which we believe will make a real difference to our roads.
"Judging from the amount of requests we get for gully cleaning, it is very much what people want and we have listened and acted on that. Gully cleaning is vital in improving safety for road users and our residents.
"Free flowing gullies ensure water is removed from road surfaces – this is particularly important during the winter months as blocked gullies mean water flows across the carriageway.
"This removes salt and increases the likelihood of freezing conditions, bringing the problems we all know for motorists.
"We are a proactive council and we will start preparing for the big freeze. I’m proud that as an administration we are focusing on the things that matter to residents.”
If the trial is a success, plans are already in place a for a full roll-out in 2019/20 so gullies on residential roads are cleaned every two years.
The additional work is expected to start later this month(Nov) subject to weather conditions.
