Chichester ranked among UK’s highest-risk areas for blocked gutters this autumn
Chichester has been named one of the UK’s areas most at risk of blocked gutters this autumn and winter, according to new research examining tree cover and average winter rainfall across local authorities.
The study, carried out by exterior paint specialists Emperor Paint, places Chichester fourth in the national rankings, with a blocked drain risk score of 53.53 out of 100.
The findings come as falling leaves and heavier rainfall increase the likelihood of gutters becoming blocked, potentially allowing water to overflow onto exterior walls and increasing the risk of penetrating damp.
According to the research, Chichester has tree canopy cover of 27.3 per cent and average winter precipitation of 2.98mm per day.
The figures were analysed alongside data from Friends of the Earth Policy and the Met Office to produce a risk score for local authority areas across the UK.
New Forest and Waverley jointly top the rankings, each scoring 73.02 out of 100, followed by Surrey Heath in third place with a score of 62.98.
Chichester’s fourth-place position puts it ahead of several other areas included in the top 10, including East Hampshire, which ranks seventh.
Jack Reading, from Emperor Paint, said keeping gutters clear was essential for protecting homes during periods of wet weather.
“Leaves, twigs and other debris can quickly build up in gutters, particularly during autumn when trees shed their leaves,” he said.
“If left unchecked, this debris can restrict water flow and cause gutters to overflow. During periods of heavy rainfall, blocked gutters can struggle to cope with the volume of water, allowing it to spill down exterior walls and increase the risk of penetrating damp.”