- Flood Reports – These were at last published with input from us. The most significant finding is that EA modelling for a ‘1 in 100’ year event is wrong so must be revised, with a more accurate river and flood plain level survey. As your representatives we are a named stakeholder and await concrete outcomes.
- WODC – Ever present at its Environment Scrutiny Committee Meetings, we are developing a sensible working relationship with the newly elected leaders. WODC funded the interim flood report until OCC, as the Lead Local Flood Authority, published theirs. WODC is now coordinating the actions from the report.
- Engagement with the Agencies – We have formed a good working relationship with the Environment Agency and meet them every few months to check on progress. We also attend Town/District Councils meetings when flooding is on the agenda and have reached out to Oxfordshire County Council on numerous occasions. This will continue this in a sustained way until we see clear evidence of action.
- EA Witney Project – There is a long-term cost/benefit analysis taking place for a Flood Alleviation Scheme for Witney, which is reliant on accurate river data (as confirmed by the flood reports) but it is a 5-year process and requires an updated flood model to support the business case stacking up for formal funding. We recently spent a day guiding a site visit with the EA contracted team who will revisit the flood model.
- River Maintenance – After meeting an independent river engineering contractor we have confirmation that better maintenance is achievable, so what remains is simply about funding and coordination. We have reviewed the EA’s annual maintenance plan for Witney (more to be spent this year) and are keeping on top of progress. So far it is insufficient in our view although further work is due to take place in October. As WODC have so far only provided summary information we continue to press for more.
- Gauge Boards – This was identified as a ‘quick win’ to the Agencies by us over a year ago. We are meeting WODC to agree where more can be added, enabling closer monitoring on which flood warnings depend.
- Emergency Plan – A critical component of joined up coordination and action during flood events it can include establishing a network of Flood Wardens to assist those most in need. We have requested a review and are being assured that they are being worked on, we will be involved so watch this space.
- Tracing Landowners – We have compiled a land ownership map and plan for central Witney showing where higher standards of channel maintenance are required. Jointly with the EA, we intend on writing to riparian owners (those with land adjacent to the River Windrush and its tributaries) to remind them of their legal responsibilities to keep water courses clear of any obstructions in the interests of drainage.
