Water board chiefs hope work completed this month will prevent repeated hold-ups at Broughton

They hope their efforts will mark an end to tankers being used to pump water out of the system at the Sor Brook during wet winters.

Following the Banbury Guardian's story last week when the temporary traffic lights got stuck on red causing tailbacks, readers asked whether the tankers, which have been used to pump out groundwater for six months or more, would have to return every time there was sustained rainfall.

This week the water board responded to the comment.

“During periods of sustained rainfall, groundwater levels in the surrounding areas rise. If they reach a high enough level there is a risk of this groundwater getting in to the sewer network," a spokesman said.

“Excess groundwater can also get in to the sewer network through private pipes. We’re completing investigations on our network in the area to find any of these points where the groundwater is affecting our sewers. If found, we will carry out work to help reduce the need for tankers in future wet winters.

“We’ve also completed work on the pumping station in the area to enable it to work more efficiently when we experience higher groundwater levels.”

Work to repair the road surface started last Wednesday.