By Aston
August 26 2006

Town’s Portman Road stadium has been partly flooded after a nearby pumping station two days before the England under21 game earlier this month.

The Anglia water pumping station on Alderman Road normally pumps water from the Alderman canal into nearby water storage tanks when the water levels get to high to avoid flooding, but storms caused an excess of water which went on to flood the corridor when runs underneath the Cobbold stand and allows access to the executive boxes.

 

Football club chief executive Derek Bowden: “It caused us some problems because the flooding was just two days before the Under-21 match with Moldova - but we got it sorted out.

 

“This was the second time we have had flooding because of problems with the pumping station - Anglian Water or their insurers have paid compensation but the concern is if this happens just before a match. It could cause serious disruption.

 

“There were no problems for years and then we've had these two incidents.”

 

The pitch at Portman Road may have also suffered as some salt water may have found its way into the water table but the recent heavy rain has washed that way, Bowden added: “The pitch is recovering well now because the salt has been flushed out by the heavy rain and with more rain expected over the next few days it looks as if we can continue flushing it out without having to use extra water.”

 

Dan Baker from Anglian Water added: “Anglian Water is investigating problems around the football ground in Ipswich.

 

“The possibility of an extra valve is being considered, as it is thought the system may be backing up when high tides combine with stormy weather.

 

“It is anticipated that this investigation will be completed within a month, at which point a decision can be made whether a programme of investment is needed.”

 

Source: Evening Star

 

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