WORK to prevent flooding in Callington Road, Tavistock, is progressing well, but West Devon Borough Council remains in negotiations with South West Water over who bears responsibility for the maintenance of the culvert in Callington Road.
A report to the council's environmental and health committee meeting last week outlined the progress which had been made on remedial works to the culvert which is around 100 years old.
The problems came to light when properties were flooded during the severe weather between Christmas and New Year 2000.
An engineering consultant, commissioned to survey the area by the council, found that despite its age the culvert was in relatively good condition and adequate for its function to the catchment area.
But after cleaning and re-surveying part of the culvert, it became clear there was an obstruction in the channel, and the silt causing the restriction was removed.
Another problem was presented by a six-metre new plastic drainage pipe which had somehow become lodged in the narrow part of the culvert, 17 metres from the nearest manhole cover. This pipe was removed following a delicate operation undertaken by a specialist drainage company.
The full cost of resolving the problems in Callington Road is not yet known, but it is expected to be at least £15,000.
Representatives of the council met South West Water last month, and the committee agreed to continue negotiations to establish which party is responsible for the culvert.