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Addressing Hornsey’s Flooding Challenges: Updates on Boyton Road and Rectory Gardens SuDS💧

  • Writer: Councillor Adam Small
    Councillor Adam Small
  • Mar 4
  • 3 min read

Flooding is one of those issues that never seems to go away—especially for those of us in Hornsey who have seen roads turn into rivers after a heavy downpour 🌧️.


After the severe flooding of July 2021, which affected homes, businesses, and streets across Haringey, we knew that long-term solutions were needed. That’s why the Council has been investing in our Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to better manage surface water and reduce flood risk 🌱🌎.


But let’s be honest—while SuDS have helped in many areas, they’re not a silver bullet. Some locations, like the pedestrian crossing from Middle Lane to the High Street, still aren’t draining properly, causing real problems for residents. If you’ve ever tried to cross there after a shower, you’ll know exactly what I mean! 🏊‍♂️



🚧 The Issue at Rectory Gardens: What’s Going Wrong? 🚧

The Rectory Gardens SuDS was designed to help manage excess rainwater, but it’s clear that something isn’t working as it should. Water is still pooling at the crossing instead of draining away properly, making it a nightmare to navigate on foot. I’ve heard from residents who have to walk through deep puddles or risk getting splashed by passing cars 🚗💦.


So, what’s being done about it? The Parks Team has been tendering works to fix the Rectory Gardens SuDS, and I’m pleased to report that repairs are set to be completed by the end of March 🛠️ . This should help ensure that the rain gardens and drainage systems actually do their job—keeping water off the road and out of your way! 🌿✅


Fixing the Gullies: More Work Needed in April 🏗️

Of course, SuDS aren’t the only factor here. Another major issue is the defective gully at this location, which is making the flooding even worse. Our contractors will be investigating the cause of the problem, and we plan to start repair works either between 7th-11th April or 14th-18th April, pending permit approvals 📅.


The goal is simple: get the gully operational again and stop this localised flooding for good. This follows on from the Section 19 Flood Investigation Report, which highlighted that many parts of Hornsey and Crouch End saw sewer systems overwhelmed by extreme rainfall in 2021. The report recommended better maintenance of gullies and the expansion of SuDS, which is exactly what we’re working on now. We now assess, maintain and repair over 15,000 gullies across the Borough every year.


Why This Matters ⚠️

Flooding isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a serious issue that affects road safety, accessibility, and property damage. The 2021 floods were a wake-up call, and we need to make sure that our roads and drainage systems are resilient enough to handle future storms.


 📈 The good news is that we’re making progress. Since 2021, the Council has installed 26 SuDS features across the borough, including rain gardens, swales, detention basins, and permeable paving 🌳🌊. But we also need to ensure these systems are properly maintained—otherwise, we’re just kicking the can down the road.





Next Steps and How You Can Help 👀 🗣️📢

I’ll be keeping a close eye on these repairs and making sure that the work actually delivers results. But I also want to hear from you. If you’re still experiencing flooding issues near your home or business, let me know!


Your feedback helps us identify problem areas and push for further improvements 🏡✅.


You can reach me via email on adam.small@haringey.gov.uk 📧 or at our next councillor surgery 📆.


Thanks for your patience—and hopefully, by the time April showers arrive, we’ll be able to cross the road without wading through a lake! 🚣‍♂️😂



Cllr Adam Small

Hornsey Ward, Haringey Council

Hornsey Councillors

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