Bramley Parish Council have recently contacted various authorities concerning the maintenance of Bramley Brook and the footpath running alongside it, from the culvert on Bramley Lane up through Strawberry Fields and then on to Centenary Fields. The letter outlining the PCs concerns can be read here.
Responses have since been received from HCC Highways and from Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council. HCC Highways have stated that they are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Bramley Lane culvert only. This was last inspected by them in April 2020, and clearance work was not deemed necessary at that time. Bramley Parish Council has requested a new inspection, since the culvert is now very blocked.
Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council are responsible for the land either side of the Brook, and the footpath that runs alongside it. They are not responsible for the Brook itself – this is the responsibility of the Environment Agency. Bramley Parish Council understand that some clearance work of blockages in the Brook has been carried out. The most immediate concern is that the banks of the Brook are beginning to crumble and collapse, causing further blockages and safety issues. The Borough Council is looking into this and the repair issues on the path as well.
Bramley Parish Council continue to liaise with all authorities to achieve both urgent maintenance and an ongoing maintenance programme.