A defence scheme has had to be installed at a Redbridge school that was hit by flash flooding.
The work being carried out at Caterham High School in Clayhall uses surface and underground storage tanks to capture and hold deluge rainwater during bad weather — then releases it slowly when the sewers can cope.
“Our school was badly hit by a flash flood,” Caterham headteacher Belinda Chapple revealed. “But we feel confident with our new flood defences and drainage system that the school is now resilient against further damage.”
The scheme uses water butts, planters and a rain garden with plants to absorb rainwater which also help biodiversity as a by-product by attracting insects and birds.
A storage tank has been put in under the playground connected to the drains that holds surplus water until the sewers can catch up, by slowing down the flow.
Four water butts holding 1,000 litres each are also used to capture rainwater to use for the playground pond and for a rain garden that has been created with plants and shrubs.
Adapted planters with flowers and herbs are used as an internal reservoir with slow-release drainage to make sure heavy rainfall does not overwhelm the sewers.
The work was given the green light when Redbridge Council won grants from Thames Water and the Department for Education.
The council’s cabinet member for environment Jo Blackman, who visited the school in Caterham Avenue to see the work being carried out, said: “We are investing in flood alleviation measures to help reduce the impact of flash floods.
"The scheme at Caterham High is a natural way to support the drainage infrastructure while also encouraging biodiversity.”
The council is set to start 13 more flood alleviation schemes in areas most prone to flash flooding such as Fullwell, Fairlop and Wanstead Village.
It is spending £11million over the next 10 years to help reduce flood risks to homes and businesses due to global climate change.
Flood measures at the school, for example, can store 175,000 litres of rainwater to help prevent flooding — equal to using a garden hose round the clock for seven days.
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