Stock Parish Council has issued an update regarding the ongoing works to improve historic flooding issues and to improve and extend the car park on The Common and build up the roadside along Common Road following the collapse of the verge.
The wet weather experienced during the early months of the year meant works were delayed for a period before being restarted in late March.
The works at present include digging out the roadside verge and using the earth to build up the ground level on The Common-side of the gabion baskets that had previously been installed. When the earth on The Common-side of the gabion baskets has settled down, planting can take place.
The installation of posts and infilling of stone to improve drainage and the visual finish on the road-side of the gabion baskets is also ongoing.
The next stage of works will include improving and enlarging the car park, creating a swale (a shallow drainage channel) in the south-west corner of The Common, and the insertion of grips (shallow surface ditches which will be enclosed) to drain The Common adjacent to the road. The work to insert the grips will be undertaken during a midweek period so not to clash with any cricket activities.
A ditch around to the south corner of The Common will be cleared and connected to the ditch situated next to the playground.
Stock Parish Council appreciates villagers’ patience while these works are completed and understands frustration at the delays caused by the weather.
When the works are complete, it is anticipated that The Common will be a much improved public space for all villagers and visitors to Stock to enjoy.
