Kingston Council has completed its first flood relief basin scheme to dramatically reduce the risk of flooding for a number of homes in the south of the borough.

 Local residents and businesses will benefit from the new scheme at the Sir Francis Barker recreation ground on Leatherhead Road in Chessington. 

Kingston Council has identified that over 600 homes in the Hook area are at some risk of flooding. This project tackles an area of homes, roads and recreation facilities that are most at risk. 

The basin, which has been created in a quiet northern corner of the Sir Francis Barker recreation ground, has been designed to capture up to 450,000 litres of excess rainwater before it drains in a controlled way back into the Thames Water system.

This will reduce flooding in the local area and beyond and also reduce the risk of excess water compromising sewer systems. 

The project, which has been completed over three months this summer, included the excavation of 720 tons of earth and the addition of 160 metres of new permanent drainage to ensure water can be captured and re-distributed effectively.

To reduce the number and environmental impact of lorry movements to and from the site, around 670 tons of the earth excavated has been reused on site.

The new basin, which is not a permanent pond and will reach a maximum of one metre in depth, is designed not only to protect the area but also to enhance and encourage biodiversity.

The area has been planted with 10 new trees and over 2,500 square metres of meadow and grass seed sown to create a new natural environment.  

As part of the project the popular Sir Francis Barker tennis court has been re-surfaced and renovated.

The Sir Francis Barker Rec is also home to the Chessington Cricket and Sports Club and the local children's playground. 

The Sir Francis Barker scheme is part of the borough's wider Local Flood Risk Management Strategy Action Plan.

Andreas Kirsch, Leader of Kingston Council and Councillor for Chessington South and Malden Rushett Ward said: "We are committed to protecting and working in partnership with our residents and businesses.

"This is the first project of its kind in Kingston, part of our borough-wide Flood Risk Strategy and represents the positive outcomes when we work closely with our communities to achieve much more than a technical solution.

"I am also pleased that we have dedicated this project to my former ward colleague for Chessington South and Malden Rushett, Councillor Christine Stuart. Christine was an absolutely dedicated councillor who always had the community at her heart. She has been instrumental in starting the work on this project."

Councillor Ian Manders, portfolio holder for Ccimate action, biodiversity and planning policy in Kingston added: "The council is responding to the growing impact and threats of local flooding and climate change."

"This project has created a practical and elegant solution that will not only provide protection for local residents but also enhance the Sir Francis Barker Rec for residents."