Redbridge adopts innovative Hydrorock flood defence system across vulnerable areas

Following a successful trial, Redbridge Council expands the use of Hydrorock flood defence technology and other sustainable drainage measures to enhance flood resilience amid climate change challenges.

Following the successful trial of Hydrorock flood defence technology in Seven Kings, Redbridge Council has expanded its use to additional areas within the borough to mitigate local flood risks. Initially installed on Seven Kings High Road last year, the system demonstrated its effectiveness by preventing flooding despite heavy rainfall. This success has prompted the Council to install Hydrorock blocks beneath Hermon Hill and Wellesley Road in Wanstead Village, locations marked by historic flooding issues, particularly affecting residents in basement flats.

The Hydrorock blocks function much like a sponge, placed underneath road surfaces and connected to the drainage gullies. They rapidly absorb excess rainwater during heavy downpours and then release it gradually into the sewer system. This controlled release prevents the sewers from being overwhelmed by sudden surges of water—a leading cause of road flooding. Alongside the subterranean blocks, the Council has also resurfaced parts of these roads with permeable paving to assist in the direct absorption of rainwater, further easing the burden on local drainage infrastructure.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Jo Blackman, emphasised the Council’s proactive approach amidst increasing extreme weather events attributed to climate change. Speaking on the initiative, she highlighted the importance of using sustainable drainage systems and innovative technologies like Hydrorock to build a flood-resilient borough, protecting local homes, businesses, and communities. The Council has committed to investing over £11 million in flood risk reduction schemes over the next decade, building on the £2.5 million spent since 2022.

Redbridge’s flood risk management does not stop with the Hydrorock installations. The Council has been actively implementing a range of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) through partnerships with Thames Water, the Environment Agency, and environmental organisations. These efforts include rain gardens and adapted planters designed to collectively manage and attenuate over 380,000 litres of surface water. Such initiatives help to reduce surface water runoff entering sewers, addressing flood risks in a sustainable and ecological manner.

The Council’s long-term strategy, supported by previous funding allocations such as the £830,000 dedicated to flood alleviation in 2022, underscores a comprehensive approach embracing multiple complementary measures. These include permeable road surfaces, rain gardens, and water retention projects—all aimed at reducing surface water flooding across Redbridge. Additional targeted projects have received grant funding to assist specific vulnerable locations like local schools, where new soakaways and swales are planned to manage water more effectively.

Complementing these technical and infrastructural measures, Redbridge Council has also undertaken green regeneration projects that indirectly contribute to flood resilience. Notably, a £3 million scheme to restore public access along the River Roding in Ilford combines increased community amenity with enhanced natural flood defences through rewilding and improved riverside paths.

Collectively, these diverse flood management and resilience projects reflect Redbridge Council’s holistic and forward-thinking approach, combining innovative technology with sustainable urban drainage and environmental enhancements to meet the challenges posed by climate change-related flooding.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative was published on 16 September 2025, with no earlier versions found. The report is based on a press release from Redbridge Council, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The content is original and not recycled from other sources. No republishing across low-quality sites or clickbait networks was observed. The inclusion of updated data alongside previously reported material is noted, but the update justifies a higher freshness score.

Quotes check

Score:
10

Notes:
Direct quotes from Cllr Jo Blackman and Mandy Sullivan are unique to this report, with no earlier usage found. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating original content. No variations in quote wording were noted.

Source reliability

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative originates from Redbridge Council’s official website, a reputable and authoritative source. The report is based on a press release from Redbridge Council, which typically warrants a high reliability score.

Plausability check

Score:
10

Notes:
The claims about the Hydrorock system’s effectiveness and the Council’s flood defence initiatives are plausible and consistent with previous reports. The narrative is consistent with the region and topic, with no inconsistencies in language or tone. The structure is focused and relevant, with no excessive or off-topic details. The tone is formal and appropriate for an official report.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is original, based on a recent press release from Redbridge Council, and presents consistent and plausible information. No issues with freshness, quotes, source reliability, or plausibility were identified.