Flooding caused by 'sealed off' gulley, says Douglas Council

Brown water built up on Castle Street amid heavy rain

Water which flooded a section of Douglas high street yesterday (12 March) arose from a gulley which had been 'sealed off', according to the council.

Hundreds of gallons of brown water washed onto Castle Street amid heavy rain.

The water had a pungent smell, but Manx Utilities assured it was not linked to the sewerage system, finding the problem to be blocked gullies which it says are the responsibility of Douglas Council.

In response, the Council has told Manx Radio it proactively clears more than 5,000 gullies and drains across the capital each year as part of its scheduled maintenance programme.

The local authority says yesterday’s flooding and surface water build-up arose from a gulley which was sealed off by Manx Utilities last year due to a safety issue. 

Council workers attended Castle Street to ensure the remaining drainage infrastructure was clear and not obstructed with debris.