towncouncil@diss.gov.uk

Diss Town Council is actively working with partner organisations to address drainage concerns affecting the Mere and Mere Street following reports from residents and visitors.

While the issues involve two separate drainage systems managed by different organisations, the Town Council has been liaising with the relevant authorities to help ensure concerns are investigated and progress is made.

Mere Drain

One issue relates to the Mere Drain, which carries water from the Mere towards the River Waveney, helping to regulate water levels.

The drain is currently blocked in several locations beneath third-party land, restricting water flow and contributing to drainage concerns around the Mere.

The Town Council is working to move this issue forward and has recently met with the Lead Local Flood Authority to discuss potential solutions. The development of the new Leisure and Community Centre also provides an opportunity to engage with landowners and other parties involved.

Mere Street Drains

A separate issue concerns reports of unpleasant odours from drains in the Mere Street area.

Responsibility for these drainage systems sits with other authorities:

• Anglian Water is responsible for the public sewer network.

• Norfolk County Council Highways is responsible for highway drains, gullies and drainage systems on public roads.

  
  

Although these drains do not fall under the Town Council's jurisdiction, concerns have been reported to the relevant organisations, and the Council has requested that appropriate action is taken.

Anglian Water has confirmed that it is investigating the matter and has arranged for a sewer specialist to visit the area within the coming week.

The specialist will inspect the public sewer network, for which Anglian Water is responsible, and assess whether any maintenance or repairs are required. Where issues can be resolved immediately, work will be carried out during the visit. If more substantial repairs are needed, further works will be arranged and timescales communicated.

Should the source of the odour be identified as originating from private drainage infrastructure or another responsible party, Anglian Water has advised that guidance will be provided on the appropriate next steps.

Residents wishing to report blocked gullies, highway drainage issues or localised flooding can do so through:

• Norfolk County Council Highways: https://apps.norfolk.gov.uk/HighwaysDefect/

• FixMyStreet: https://www.fixmystreet.com/

Mayor’s Statement

"We understand the frustration these ongoing drainage issues have caused, and we are grateful to residents who have taken the time to raise their concerns. It is encouraging that Anglian Water has committed to investigating the source of the odour and taking action where necessary. While responsibility for some of the affected infrastructure lies with other organisations, Diss Town Council will continue to work with our partners to ensure these issues are properly addressed and that residents' concerns continue to be heard.