Work to repair the surface water drainage network in Cowes town centre has been completed on schedule.

The project by Island Roads under the Highways PFI was undertaken at night and outside the main tourism season as it involved work in the busy area between Carvel Lane and Town Quay and a subsequent road closure.

Under the main part of the scheme, sections of the surface water drainage system that had been damaged over many years – and in some cases subjected to some temporary repairs – were replaced.

Though the scheme is not designed to address the causes of tidal flooding (which is outside the scope of the Highways PFI) the work should increase the capacity of the highway drainage system to enable it to cope with greater volumes of rainwater.

Scheme engineer Garry Stretch said: “We would like to thank the community for their co-operation during the work in what is a busy area that affects many businesses, residents and of course the Red Funnel and Southern Vectis Cowes terminals. We hope the arrangements put in place as well as the scheduling of the work kept any disruption to a minimum.”

A small amount of scheduled further work is still required but this is in the pedestrian area of Cowes town centre and will be undertaken without the need for road closures.