The New Year is getting off to a sparkling start in Dudley borough with council bosses pledging to clean an extra 7,500 gullies on residential roads.

The additional winter work will help to reduce the risk of flash flooding during cold and wet snaps while boosting Dudley Council’s pledge to make the borough cleaner and greener.

The authority currently prioritises highway drainage works based on a flood risk management approach, targeting hot spot areas across the borough in line with its responsibilities. Over 10,000 gullies are cleaned each year including reactive works following requests from local residents. Councillor John Martin, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Highway, said:

"Residents have told us that gully cleaning is very important to them as it helps to keep the borough clean and green while reducing the risk of flooding to houses and businesses.

"We have listened to people and are responding by pledging to clean these additional 7,500 gullies during the winter months.”

People who have concerns about gullies on their street can contact Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345 or by email.