Reading Borough Council is changing how it maintains more than 18,000 road drains across the town to better protect homes from flooding. Announced on 28 March 2026, the new approach shifts the focus away from a uniform cleaning schedule, prioritising areas that are most likely to flood or collect debris.
The council, which is responsible for the highway network drainage, will now direct more frequent cleaning to these high-risk locations. This change follows the severe flooding seen in January 2024, when Storm Henk affected 24 properties in the area and caused water levels in the River Thames to reach their highest point since 1947.
While residents in flood-prone areas may see more regular maintenance, those living on quieter streets that do not face these issues should notice very little change in service. This method of prioritising high-risk zones is similar to maintenance strategies used by other councils across the country, where flood-prone drains are cleared as often as every three months.
The council already uses a priority system for its autumn leaf clearance programme, which focuses on areas with mature trees and high levels of foot traffic. For issues involving private pipes or connections to the sewer network, residents are reminded that responsibility lies with property owners and Thames Water. However, the council’s Reading Commercial Services team remains available to clear blockages for a charge, or to assist with other drainage needs like camera surveys and suction cleaning.
Residents who are responsible for blockages on their own property can still request the council to assist with clearing them for a fee, as detailed on the council website.
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