Knapton is a small hamlet on the A4110, north of Canon Pyon, affected by fluvial flooding from the Honeylake brook, which passes under the road just south of the properties via a large, but old culvert. In flooding events, the culvert is overwhelmed, and flooding occurs to the north, historically affecting a number of properties. These have mostly been protected with flood resilience measures, however the use of the A4110 as a relief road for when the A49 is flooded does suggest a better solution is required. This is further supported in light of the heavy lorries using the road at pace, often causing large bow-waves.
Further downstream there are a number of areas that have flooded, normally due to obstructions in the river. Many of these have been removed/cleared by informal liaison with the responsible landowner.
There are also a number of public safety concerns around the demarcation of the brook; when the area upstream of the culvert floods, there is no barrier to avoid walking into the ditch that feeds the culvert. This needs resolution.
Actions undertaken to date
- Knapton has been added to the list of flooding sites under investigation and review by Herefordshire Council ("reportable under section 19")
- A section 19 report is currently being produced.
- Clearance of obstructions in the river downstream of Knapton