Hobson Street / Ryle Street, Macclesfield - Ordinary watercourse investigation

We will be carrying our watercourse improvements along Hobson Street / Ryle Street, Macclesfield following a successful bid for funding from the Environment Agency and the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

We have worked with a multi-agency team to investigate the culverted ordinary watercourse that runs from Ryles Pool and South Park to the River Bollin. It runs under buildings and streets including Hobson Street, Ryle Street and Park Lane. Detailed CCTV condition surveys have been undertaken of the sections of the culvert that are accessible.

We are working with stakeholders and specialists to make sure that any additional work on the culvert provides the correct outcome while managing the risks involved in this complex project.

When and what is happening

Works to deliver these watercourse improvements to reduce localised flooding commenced on  28 September, with phase 1 and 2 now complete.

Works to deliver phase 3 of the scheme commenced on 13 January 2025 and requires Park Lane to be closed at all times between the junction of Peel Street and Hobson Street until approximately 9 February 2025. As part of this phase, we will be excavating the culvert to construct a new chamber to allow for future access.

The footway along Park Lane remains open on both sides but may be closed on one side as the work progresses to maintain the safety of the public.

Thank you for your ongoing patience whilst our teams work hard to resolve the issues in the area.

What is a riparian owner?

A riparian owner is the land or property owner responsible for a section of an ordinary watercourse (guidance on owning a watercourse).

What is a culverted ordinary watercourse?

A culverted ordinary watercourse is a watercourse, drain or stream that is enclosed in a pipe or similar structure located underground. They vary in shape, size and design and may have been installed historically under property, businesses, or infrastructure.

Why is this such a long process?

Investigation work has continued following the sinkhole which appeared in February 2020. The culvert is old, deep, runs underneath some properties as well as the highway and its condition was unknown. This is an extremely complex piece of work involving lot of coordination with multiple agencies including United Utilities and the Environment Agency and local riparian owners. 

• Please be assured that work is ongoing behind the scenes to mitigate and resolve these issues.
• We are continuing to liaise with residents. A single point of contact has been appointed and is liaising with the residents on a regular basis. 
• Local elected Members are continuing to be updated. 

Is my property at risk of flooding?

To find out about the risk of flooding, please check both surface water and fluvial flood risk at your location.

The government advice is that property owners in flood risk areas install property flood resilience products in advance of flooding and sign up to the free flood warning service to received alerts and warnings: sign up for flood warnings.

Where can I find out more about responsibilities for managing rivers and watercourses?

For more details please see guidance owning a watercourse.

Further advice on the Councils approach to managing these watercourses can also be found on the Flood risk management page.

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