Flood scheme officially opened

Years of fundraising finally pay off

NEWBURY MP Richard Benyon and Dame Theresa Sackler presided over the official opening of the Eastbury Flood Prevention Scheme on Friday.

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.

Honorary chairwoman of the Eastbury Village Flood Alleviation Scheme (EVFPA), Liz Goodman, said: “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.”