Tarmac-Filled Drain Causes Ongoing Flooding on Clapham Common North Side

April 15, 2026

Residents on Clapham Common North Side in Lambeth are facing ongoing disruption and a significant hazard due to a soak away drain that has been filled with Tarmac, causing persistent flooding outside homes. This unresolved issue is blocking access for residents, including an 81-year-old man, making it unsafe to walk.

The Problem Explained

A resident in Clapham Common North Side reported that the soak away drain outside their front gate has been filled with Tarmac. This alteration means that when it rains, a large puddle forms directly outside their home. The resident highlighted that her 81-year-old husband cannot jump across this puddle, effectively blocking his access. Furthermore, residents say there is also flooding along the pavement when rainfall is particularly heavy, exacerbating the problem.

Local Impact and Context

This is not the first time the issue has been reported on Clapham Common North Side. The resident explicitly stated, "I have reported this problem before," indicating a recurring or unresolved complaint within the Lambeth borough. The persistent flooding creates a hazard for anyone using the pavement, forcing residents to navigate around the standing water. The presence of a large, unavoidable puddle directly at a home's entrance has a direct and practical impact on daily life, particularly for elderly residents.

Council Response and Status

The resident is urging for the Tarmac filling to be removed and the original drain cover to be replaced. As of now, there are no updates on the FixMyStreet report regarding action taken by the relevant authorities in Lambeth. The problem remains unresolved, and residents are seeking accountability for the ongoing disruption.

Author

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