Baker's Arms Roundabout
Vikki Takes Baker's Arms Flooding Issue to Parliament
Lib Dem MP Vikki Slade has called on the Government to take action on flooding on our local roads.
The Baker's Arms roundabout on the A35 has severe issues as when it floods it cuts off Wareham and most of the Purbeck area from the rest of Dorset - causing traffic chaos and long delays, especially at peak times.
Vikki has been taking action on the issue by raising it in Parliament and asking the Flooding Minister for action to protect our vital highways infrastructure from floods.
Vikki said: “We all know this is not a new issue. This has been going on for many years and with flooding incidents increasing across Dorset. I am concerned that nothing has been done.”
She continued: "I know that the previous MP made this a campaign priority and so I had assumed there would be a record of meetings and correspondence with the Department of Transport in relation to this matter and a permanent solution on the horizon. Unfortunately, the Department of Transport have now confirmed that they have no record of this being raised with them.
Over the last couple of months I have written to the DfT, the Environment Agency and Dorset Council to seek a solution to the constant flooding. I have been in direct contact with local Highways Officers and the Flood Risk Management Team to further review the situation. Following this, it was agreed that the Highways Team would conduct an investigation of all the drainage assets surrounding the roundabout, with the goal of ensuring that they are in good condition. As a result, a full cleanse of the drainage system will now follow, which includes some ground clearance and reopening the outlets to improve capacity and tackle the standing water."
Vikki added: "On visiting the site recently, I was pleased to see that some of the initial stage ground clearance has begun. However, since Bakers Arms Roundabout is a key part of the network, it is anticipated that the full works will require temporary closure of the roundabout, which will have a significant impact on traffic and local people.
Traffic management will be a crucial part of the planning, and they have assured me that they are aware of the need for clear communication with the public, especially you as local residents. Presently, they are working closely with delivery agents and traffic colleagues to determine the best time for the works.
While these efforts will not immediately resolve the underlying flooding issues at this location, they should help reduce the flooding's impact during periods of heavy rainfall and mitigate disruption to road users.
Please be assured that I will continue to actively push for solutions and work tirelessly for local people to improve the situation that we all know has been going on for far too long."
