First step of Thatcham flood defence scheme completed

Aerial pictures, from Hampshire Aerial Photos, show the completed attenuation pond at St Gabriel’s Farm, between Cold Ash Hill and Little Copse, north of Southend.
Attenuation ponds – or dry ponds – are designed to prevent flooding by storing excess rainwater, and allowing it to flow into the sewers at a controlled rate.
The 1.7 hectare basin has a raised earth embankment which acts as a reservoir and has a storage capacity of 25,000 m3.
The project was launched after more than 1,100 homes in Thatcham were devasted by flash flooding as the result of heavy rain in July 2007. This first pond will help protect 131 properties including those inSouthend, Billington Way, a couple in Northway and some in Northfield Road.
Designs for further basins at Tull Way and Dunstan Park are currently being developed.
Chairman of the Funding Committee for Thatcham Surface Water Management Plan, Brian Woodham, said: “This is a really significant first step which will enable protection for around two hundred properties in parts of North Thatcham, Southend and Billington Way.
“It shows what can be achieved even in difficult economic conditions and has been made possible by the dedication of West Berkshire Council’s flood engineers, support from the Environment Agency and Thatcham Flood Forum. We have shared a common financial determination to get this first retention pond in place, our challenge now is to find funding for the next three.”
Work on the £800,000 scheme, funded by Government grants and contributions from Cold Ash Parish Council and Thatcham Town Council, and match funded by West Berkshire Council, was completed last month.
West Berkshire’s executive councillor for Emergency Planning, Pamela Bale (Con, Pangbourne) said: “I’m extremely pleased to see this scheme in place. It is an excellent example of the Council’s commitment to building flood defence measures at key locations across the district.
“Severe weather over recent years has highlighted the key locations. However 100 per cent protection from floods can never be guaranteed, which is why we urge all those living in areas known to have flooded, to do what they can to further protect their own properties.”
The MP for Newbury, Richard Benyon, said: “This is an excellent scheme for Thatcham. I remember the dreadful flooding of seven years ago and continued investment in our flood defences is crucial to ensure that our community does not have to live through a repeat.
"I pay tribute to all those who have contributed to this scheme.”