WITH funding now in place for a flood alleviation scheme in Buckskin, a ward councillor is pleading for work to begin, saying “get on with it”.

As previously reported in The Gazette, both Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hampshire County Council (HCC) have allocated funds for the installation of a new pipe between the Ridgeway Centre area to the north of Worting Road roundabout.

This would alleviate the problem which caused widespread flooding in 2014 in which people had to evacuate their homes.

Buckskin ward councillor Nigel Pierce has praised the funding allocation but said the work needs to start as soon as possible.

Cllr Pierce said: “It is great that the money has now been allocated, but I do have to question why it has taken so long.

“We suggested a big pipe right at the start and they have only just got to this decision. Now they need to get on with it and do the work, there is no excuse.”

Work on the scheme is due to get underway in the summer.

The borough council will give a £250,000 contribution to the scheme, with HCC putting £2m towards the £6.2m project.

The scheme will provide more protection from flooding, and reduce the cost and distress to residents if a similar incident were to happen again.

Basingstoke’s MP Maria Miller welcomed the collaborative working between government, county and borough council to find a solution and protect residents in more than 180 homes in Buckskin.

Mrs Miller said: “This new flood prevention scheme, with more than £6million being provided by national and local government demonstrates our commitment to making things right for the people of Buckskin. It will give local Buckskin residents new protection against future flooding from rising groundwater which devastated the community three years ago.”