Work finished on flood-hit tunnel between Maidenbower and Furnace Green

Furnace Green councillors Carol Eade and Duncan Crow, who have been working with the borough and county councils and Network Rail since last autumn to find a permanent solution to the problem, welcomed its completion.

Cllr Eade said “I am delighted that our efforts have paid off. Duncan Crow and I invested a lot of time and effort to bring this about as we recognised it’s important to the local community, many of whom got in touch with us. Not only have we now got an excellent drainage system that has already proved its effectiveness in last week’s rain, we’ve had it completely resurfaced too.”

The work was completed in time for the end of half-term, making the journey to school a lot simpler for students at Oriel High School.

Cllr Crow added: “It is great news that Volker Fitzpatrick - Network Rail’s contractor - has completed the major drainage scheme in time for the school going back.

“While affecting many residents of Furnace Green and Maidenbower, it had especially impacted Oriel High pupils, parents and staff from Furnace Green and further afield over the last few weeks.

“I am very pleased that the efforts of both Carol Eade and myself achieved such a positive outcome on behalf of our residents.”