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104
3. RIVERS AND STREAMS.
The River Thames forms the western boundary of the Borough and
is under the control of the Thames Conservancy Board. The Hogsmill
River, a tributary of the Thames, for some two miles forms
the eastern boundary and thence flows through the Borough. In
dry weather a considerable portion of the flow of this river comprises
the effluent from the Hogsmill Valley Sewage Treatment Works.
The Beverley Brook, another tributary of the Thames, forms part of
the eastern boundary and receives the effluent of the Worcester Park
Sewage Disposal Works. Whilst there has been a marked improvement
in the cleanliness of the water of the Thames litter continues to be
an eyesore and a nuisance.
4. DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE.
With the exception of a small quantity which is discharged to
the sewage disposal works of the London Borough of Sutton at
Worcester Park and to the Greater London Council Wandle Valley
Works, the sewage of the district is treated at the Hogsmill Valley
Sewage Treatment Works. This modern plant also deals with the
sewage from the Borough of Epsom & Ewell.
With the exception of a few houses, all dwellings are connected
to the main sewage system.
5. FLOODING.
During the weekend of the 14th to l7th September, 1968 very
heavy rainfall occurred over south eastern England and because of
the water-logged condition of the ground and the inability of the
sewers to carry the flood waters, some flooding occurred in the
Borough. The Hogsmill River overflowed at Villiers Road, Kingston
and further flooding occurred at Clayton Road, Chessington, and to a
lesser extent in other parts of the Borough.
The cost and great inconvenience to those affected emphasize
the need for rapid implementation of the relief sewers proposed for
Clayton Road, Chessington and Brockenhurst Avenue, Worcester Park.
The neighbouring authority of Esher Urban District Council was
very seriously flooded and it is pleasing to report that the
Council permitted the staff to give assistance to that authority.
6. PUBLIC CLEANSING.
The Borough Engineer and Surveyor is responsible for the
collection and delivery of refuse to a central loading point whence
it is hauled in large vehicles to tips operated by contractors
employed by the Greater, London Council, who are responsible for the
disposal of refuse. The total amount of refuse passing over the
weighbridge during the year ended 31st December, 1968 was 49,870 tons.