At last - is Eastbury now safe from flooding?
IT’S done! The Eastbury Village Flood Alleviation Scheme has been completed.
The scheme, which was delivered under a Government partnership scheme in conjunction with the Environment Agency (EA), has taken three-and-a-half years to deliver and required a £65,000 contribution from the community.
It was in September 2014 that Newbury MP Richard Benyon presided over a turf-cutting ceremony to launch the construction phase of the project.
Honourary chairwoman of the Eastbury Village Flood Alleviation Scheme (EVFPA), Liz Goodman, said this week: “Even though it felt like a long journey reaching this point, the end result is just fantastic, and beyond expectations.
“Not only have the EA delivered a flood scheme, but they have also implemented environmental enhancements, which have recreated a meandering chalk stream.
“This is a total win-win as it will benefit the wildlife as well as the community.”
The scheme consists of a throttle and bund and Mrs Goodman added: “The throttle is a work of art. And the scheme has already had an impact – we had some heavy rain last week and nothing untoward happened. The river is forced to meander now instead of coming down like a car crash.
“The scheme could not have been delivered without the incredible support of Greenham Common Trust, the Fred & Marjorie Sainsbuy Charitable Trust, West Berkshire Council, Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, Waitrose, and the community of Eastbury who enabled the money to be raised in a period of eight months.
“The land owner Rooksnest Estate was also just incredible and without all of the support we received we would not have been able to deliver this scheme, and we are truly appreciative and cannot thank them all enough.”
Mr Benyon said: “This flood scheme is a credit to the EVFPA, who have worked tirelessly for years and whose efforts will ensure Eastbury is better protected from flooding in the future.
“I have seen for myself on a number of occasions the effect flooding can have on the village and I look forward to opening the flood scheme.”
Environment Agency project manager Nick Leishman said “We are proud of our contribution to this scheme that will reduce the risk of flooding for the residents of Eastbury.
“This flood alleviation scheme has been built because of successful partnership work and the dedication of the local community.”
Mr Benyon will preside over an official opening ceremony tomorrow (Friday) at 3pm, alongside Dame Theresa Sackler.