Hambledon, a village in Hampshire, made news headlines after being flooded by groundwater for more than 40 days in 2014, following prolonged heavy rainfall. The village has a history of flooding caused by rising groundwater, which causes flooding of cellars, and to some ground floor areas, which leads to pumping out of properties. It also causes surface water flooding and flooding of the foul sewers.
Mildren Construction, were appointed to undertake the work further to a feasibility study designed to identify options for flood alleviation measures that would provide the most effective outcomes. Previous reports were assessed on flooding at Hambledon, and representatives of the Local Community, Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council, Hambledon Parish Council, local Flood Action Group and the Environment Agency were consulted to identify key issues.
In late 2014, the Environment Agency and Hampshire County Council provided funding for a project to:
- improve outfall and network of drainage ditches downstream of the village
- provide floodwater culverts along East Street, West Street and parts of Green Lane
- re-profile and resurface the highway to enhance carrying capacity
- ensure existing road gullies along West Street, East Street and Green Lane were clear
The project achieved this by:
- reducing surface water flooding of the highway by diverting water from north east of the village into a new large pipe beneath the road;
- improving management of water on the highway, including that pumped out from properties, by changing the profile of the road and resurfacing to retain water within the kerb lines, and by providing opportunities for it to be carried away by the new large pipe
- improving the discharge of the ditches to the south of the village so that floodwater can be effectively drained away.