Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Winter flood worry for West Berkshire as council warns it could be as bad as 2014




West Berkshire has been warned to prepare for flooding as bad as 2014 this winter.

Flood wardens report that soil is already waterlogged and can’t take any more.

Floods in Eastbury in January
Floods in Eastbury in January

“We are in a precarious state for this winter,” Carolyn Richardson, service manager from the joint emergency planning unit, told last week's scrutiny committee of West Berkshire Council.

“People need to look to do what they can do for themselves. People's homes are not our responsibility."

The committee was presented with a flood report on the effects of Storm Henk and other weather issues this year.

Northcroft park flooding earlier this year
Northcroft park flooding earlier this year

It was told that internal flooding was reported across nine districts affecting 77 homes. In 2014, 118 properties were affected.

"I think it will be a case of when, and not if we will see flooding this coming winter, so please, do make the most of this to prepare,” warned Stuart Gourley (Lib Dem, Newbury Clay Hill).

“Flooding is an awful occurrence - a frightening, and alarming set of events, and I empathise with all of the residents who suffered earlier this year.

Flooding on Station Road after River Kennet burst its banks earlier this year
Flooding on Station Road after River Kennet burst its banks earlier this year

“Water feels like an unstoppable force, that we can only try to channel into the best, or least worse places. But with climate change it is something that we are going to have to continue to learn, adapt, and evolve to, to understand and better protect and prepare ourselves and our communities.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank volunteer flood wardens, and flood forums for the valuable work they do out in our communities being the eyes and ears on the ground across West Berkshire, and for sharing their lived experiences.

“We all must not stop looking to find solutions and mitigations to flood risk. We must not stop finding better ways to do things, and we must not stop finding better ways to evolve our collective responses.

The River Kennet burst it banks in the centre of Newbury last year
The River Kennet burst it banks in the centre of Newbury last year

"As a word of warning, and as I look ahead to winter this year, we have had the wettest September on record in Berkshire, and no sign of it improving."

He urged residents to sign up for Environment Agency flood alerts, and to work to protect property.

The committee was told home owners are reluctant to give information that they have flooded, fearing their insurance premiums will be hit.

Kennet and Avon Canal bursts it banks in the centre of Newbury
Kennet and Avon Canal bursts it banks in the centre of Newbury

As a result of the flood effects mapping, the council has been doing CCTV surveys of drainage systems – including inspection of 13,000 drainage gullies and 107 soak-aways cleaned to prevent highways flooding.

The committee heard that Great Shefford flood alleviation had been a success – despite a wet September.

Also that the Environment Agency had had an increase in funding which would see enhanced enforcement activity with water companies. Five new teams will be carrying out four times as many inspections.

Related stories:

* ‘We would rather pollute than internally flood properties’ - Thames Water tells sewage-hit Stanford Dingley



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More