Come and Meet Us
Saturday 26 September 9am-4pm outside Woolgate Shopping Centre Entrance
Friday 9 October for Waterways Day at the Corn Exchange, Market Square
Welcome to our latest update as we continue our work to reduce flood risk in Witney
Flood Wardens and Community Volunteers
We are community volunteers prepared to wait no
longer for action by the authorities. Carrying out our
own river condition surveys, we contact landowners
directly (no one else does), offering support to achieve
higher standards of channel maintenance.
We have insurance cover and, through our Safety
Officer, can compile Risk Assessment and Method
Statements (RAMS) for light clearance work. We
recently completed two lengths near Woodford Mill
and are now looking at Madley Brook. We continue to
report obstructions to the EA Help Line and to OCC
Highways. Contact us at: witneyfloodgroup.co.uk
Council Engagement
Changes arising from the local elections in May mean
we have to rebuild our relationships with councillors at
Town, District and County level. Recent work included
removal of obstructions on behalf of West Oxfordshire
District Council, we expect to continue with that.
Environment Agency
The baseline model for a flood alleviation scheme has
been completed and the report expected in September
will assess the viability of a long-term project.
Having escalated the request to our MP, we are
expecting to meet the Area Director for Upper Thames.
Our chief concern is that the EA is no longer funded to
enforce remedial action by riparian owners over poor
standards of channel maintenance on main rivers.
River Level Sensors Project
Following a second business case for more sensors and
continuing maintenance of our initial array of seven,
Oxfordshire County Council has funded another four. All
are now operational at key points through Witney.
We recently met Bampton Flood Group who wish to
replicate our system there and in nearby parishes:
https://witneyfloodgroup.co.uk/flood-data/
Maintenance and Riparian Owners
We continue to monitor the Windrush through Witney
for obstructions, reporting them to the appropriate
authorities as well as offering the riparian owners help
with clearance. More at:
https://witneyfloodgroup.co.uk/previous-events/
‘Witney Island’ Campaign
We have put up a temporary sign on the shoal steadily
building downstream of the town bridge. Drawing
attention to the river’s poor condition where a single
channel constrains flow, it is increasing flood risk.
Planning over Flooding? We have objected to the latest proposals for 1,250
houses in North Witney, still in the West Oxfordshire
Local Plan. Look up our detailed technical case at:
https://publicaccess.westoxon.gov.uk/
online-applications under reference 24/00482/OUT
Website
We post regular updates in our photo library at:
https://witneyfloodgroup.co.uk
Waterways Day 2026 – October 9, Corn Exchange
West Oxfordshire District Council is again holding its
public event for those concerned about our rivers. We
are presenting so come along to meet us, entry is free.
Help Needed: Experience and assistance with Funding, Communications, Marketing, Social Media, Hydrology
WFG Trustees and Volunteers: William, Keith, Tony, Mike F, Mike T, Chris, Darren, Dean, Steve, Terry, Bob.