Rectory Hill work due to take place in Amersham to fix flooding

New drains and pipes are expected to be installed later this year to fix a long-running flooding problem at Rectory Hill in Amersham. 

In recent months residents have been hit with long queues, sometimes all the way back to the High Street as vehicles struggle to get through the water. 

Cars have also broken down with photos showing some vehicles stuck in water high enough to reach the headlights. 

But now the council has confirmed that new drainage and pipe work is due to take place at the end of this year in a bid to fix the issue. 

READ MORE: Concern over 'ongoing' flooding on Rectory Hill in Amersham

This is expected to continue into early 2025. 

Buckinghamshire Council's Transport boss, Cllr Steven Broadbent said: "Local Buckinghamshire Councillors have been strongly lobbying on behalf of their residents as the disruption is significant.

"The council has been carrying out surveys and investigation works for a long period of time to ascertain the full root causes of the persistent problem.

"We believe that the flooding is due to damage to the drainage system following work by a third-party contractor some years ago.

"We have been in extensive discussions on the matter and have reached a settlement that will protect the council taxpayer from the costs of rectifying the issues and putting in a permanent solution."

Contractors are expected to start preparatory work on-site in the coming weeks.

Flooding at Rectory Hill, Amersham (Image: NQ)

Cllr Broadbent added: "We hope that ultimately it will mean the area copes much better in heavy rain and that it provides a more permanent solution than pumping the water away when it floods.

"We would also remind motorists never to attempt to drive through a flood or standing water and indeed to heed signage which advises of road closures as stranded vehicles have also added to disruption in this location during flooding.”

The announcement comes after concerns were raised by a number of residents including Arvind Maheshwari who regularly uses the road. 

He met with council leader, Cllr Martin Tett as well as Amersham ward councillor David King in September to show them the scale of the issue.

Arvind Maheshwari with Cllr David King and council leader, Cllr Martin Tett at Rectory Hill, Amersham. (Image: Arvind Maheshwari)

He told the Free Press: "When it is moderate rain it’s okay, but when it is heavy rain then that rain cannot cope and you have localised flooding.

"Within the last two months, it happened twice because of the amount of rainfall we’ve had. It causes huge chaos.

"When it’s flooding it is a nightmare. As a parent using that road every day I had a nightmare.

"I’m very pleased that now the council has agreed and they’re going to fix it in the new year."

Engineers have been seen at the site in recent weeks though no firm timescale has been given for the work.