Debris cleared from Birmingham brook after residents battled flooding themselves

Debris has now been cleared from a Birmingham brook after residents were forced to take matters into their own hands when it burst its banks and sent water surging towards homes.

People living around Hassop Road were left counting the cost after the brook overflowed during heavy rain, with residents saying some properties had been left "absolutely wrecked".

In the immediate aftermath, locals spent hours removing branches and other debris from around the watercourse in an effort to keep it flowing as further downpours threatened the area.

When the Express & Star visited following the flooding, wood, metal and other detritus could be seen littering the area, while residents said they had been working from the early hours to prevent another overflow.

However, the area now looks considerably different, with pictures taken during a return visit showing the brook and the grilles across the watercourse clear of the debris which had accumulated around them.

The surrounding area has also been tidied, with much of the vegetation, branches and other material which had been left beside the brook now gone.

A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council said: "We understand the significant impact that last night's flooding has had on residents in the area, and have been working closely with partner agencies to support those affected.

"Working alongside West Midlands Fire Service, door-to-door visits were carried out last night to identify vulnerable residents and Birmingham City Council tenants affected by the flooding. Arrangements are in place for follow-up support to vulnerable residents and affected council tenants.

“The council has also been liaising with National Grid and Cadent Gas to ensure appropriate safety checks are undertaken at affected properties. National Grid has been alerted to attend to a vulnerable resident who relies on electricity to power essential medical equipment as a priority.

“In total, 55 properties experienced internal flooding, with water levels reaching up to one metre in the worst-affected homes.

"We are continuing to work with relevant agencies to put preventative measures in place ahead of further rainfall forecast.

“We understand that people have questions around the maintenance of drains in the area and if they played a role in the flood.

“However, the floods occurred because Perry Brook broke its banks as a result of the extreme weather. Once the banks of Perry Brook broke, the highway drainage network then played its role in dispersing the flood water.”

It comes after resident Andy Smallman described how the water had risen around eight feet above its usual level during the flooding, completely submerging guardrails around the brook.

He said at the time that cars had been left stranded and some homes had seen water rise as high as their letterboxes.

Mr Smallman was among residents who headed out in the rain to clear the brook, saying three or four people had worked on it the following morning after around eight residents had helped the previous night.

He said residents were frustrated by what they felt was a lack of response from the authorities, particularly with more heavy rain forecast.

Speaking following the flooding, he said: "I feel frustrated, but equally proud of myself, my road, and my community for getting stuck in and getting to work.

"For the sake of our own properties, we've had to get stuck in."