DRAINAGE maintenance works carried out ahead of the autumn will reduce the risk of flooding in Tilbury, says Thurrock Council.

The works have cleared 130 drains, which will help reduce the risk of surface water flooding ahead of forecast periods of heavy rainfall.

The maintenance work in Tilbury focused on Lansdowne Road and Darwin Road, where residents had raised concerns.

It will improve the performance of the highway drainage system and ensure gullies are operating as intended ahead of more severe autumn and winter weather. It also demonstrates how concerns raised by residents and councillors can lead to swift action on the ground.

Council highways crews lifted accessible gully grates, cleansed gully pots and jetted drainage connections to help ensure the highway drainage system was operating effectively. During the works, the team identified issues relating to the wider drainage network and has engaged with Anglian Water regarding infrastructure that falls under its responsibility.

Council leader Cllr Richard Bingley said: "Keeping our neighbourhoods clean, safe and well maintained is a key priority for the council and will help boost civic pride in Thurrock.

"These works in Tilbury show how we are taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of flooding and protect residents ahead of severe weather. Following concerns raised by local people and councillors, our teams acted quickly to inspect and cleanse drainage assets and then worked hard to make sure that 130 drains were clean, clear and ready for the rain.

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"We will continue to invest in maintaining our infrastructure and work with partners where wider issues are identified."

The council says the work forms part of a wider programme of highway drainage maintenance taking place across the borough to help keep communities safe and infrastructure in good working order.