Business owners are to team up with Government to tackle flooding in the Mill Creek area. Works and Engineering Minister Derrick Burgess yesterday gave an update on the problem which has irritated residents and businesses in that part of Hamilton for many years. He said landowners will be asked to make changes to the fronts of their properties which will help counter flooding at the recommendation of technical experts.

Meanwhile work shoring up the canal edge at Woodlands Road, next to BAA sports field, has made the area safer — but was never intended to stop flooding, said the Minister. Mr. Burgess told a press conference: "For many years the Ministry of Works and Engineering have received complaints from business owners and residents about the flooding of Mill Creek and the surrounding area.

"The Ministry is very concerned about this situation and, having listened to the complaints very carefully, are now seeking to implement a series of solutions based on recommendations from key technical advisers to address the flooding.

"It is our intent that these solutions be implemented in partnership with business owners and landowners that will work for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders. In the immediate future, this Ministry plans to participate in a joint venture with those property owners along Mill Creek Road.

"During this initiative, it is hopeful that these property owners will look to this joint venture to make changes to their property frontage that will make the technical advice recommended possible. The cost for this recommended scheme is to be shared with the landowners and Government so that this scheme is achievable.

"I look forward to this opportunity to work with the neighbouring property owners along the Mill Creek Road so that a solution can be created jointly regarding this matter."

Mill Creek business owners have complained they are losing money and customers because of water spilling into the street. They say it can be easily fixed by measures such as raising the road and that reports in 2004 showed work needed to start in 2006.

In recent months, workmen have been building the side of the canal next to BAA.

Mr. Burgess said: "The public should recognise that works were carried out on the canal edge at Woodlands Road so that at that location we may overcome subsidence to the canal. This project could not possibly control flooding in this area due to compounded problems with the canal and elevation of the surrounding properties being near the high water mark of the canal at this location. I am pleased that the Pembroke Canal near BAA Field has been made safer, especially since there are school facilities near this area."

Mr. Burgess urged people not to throw debris and horticultural waste in the canal as that can worsen flooding problems.