Barnet Council is aiming to reduce flooding and improve the water quality along the brook’s catchment area, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Residents have just over two weeks left to have their say on plans to revitalise the Silk Stream.

Action for Silk Stream (AfSS) is a six-year project led by Barnet and Harrow councils which aims to reduce flooding and improve the water quality along the brook’s catchment area.

The initiative, which is at the halfway point, was launched in 2021 after £6million in funding was secured from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as part of a £200m flood and coastal innovation programme.

Environmental charity Thames21, which is supporting the project, said flooding was a “serious” concern in the catchment area and estimated “over 1,000 properties” were at risk as it becomes “increasingly urbanised”.

As natural vegetation is replaced by hard surfaces, water is less able to soak into the ground and during heavy rainfall levels can “rise rapidly”.

Pollution is another issue due to the proximity of the stream’s surface water to sewer systems as well as plumbing misconnections.

The project will see the creation of new wetlands in six ‘shortlisted’ sites throughout the catchment area, including Stoneyfields Park and Edgwarebury Park.

This will help build flood resilience and improve water quality. Sustainable urban drainage systems (Suds) such as rain gardens are planned for urban streetscapes to help “remove pollutants from road run-off” and to slow the flow of surface water entering the sewer system.

Barnet Council is now asking residents to fill out a survey responding to questions on the project and their awareness, knowledge, and experience of flooding locally.

Residents have until Sunday, 10th November to complete the questionnaire.

For further information and to take part in the consultation:
Visit Action for Silk Stream community & business engagement | Engage Barnet

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