An interesting article (in December) in the Oxford Mail from Andrew Ingram of the CLA
Author Archives: rawcy
South Hinksey barrier-ready groundwork given the go-ahead
South Hinksey’s community demo last October sought financial support for groundwork so we would be able to use temporary flood barriers to protect the village. Great news that our Vale District Council has agreed to pay for this groundwork – needed to level the land, and provide for crossing a field ditch.
Permissions have to be sought, plans drawn and contracts agreed, so it will be some time till diggers appear. Surveying has already begun.
While the Environment Agency cannot promise barriers till the day, the omens are good. The ground will be ready, as will our community team to put the barrier up.
Sewer survey
Thames Water is asking members of OFA Steering Group and OFA Allies to help in their comprehensive survey of sewers in the Oxford area by being area representatives. Nick Hills, Angela MacKeith, Brian Durham, Adrian Porter, Richard Thurston and John Mastroddi will be involved.
We’ve suggested Thames Water contact OFA Allies in Wolvercote, Wytham and Binsey as well.
Flap valve fitted, South Hinksey
A flap valve has just been fitted on the surface water drain from Manor Road, to prevent water running back from this ditch and into the road when water levels are high. Many thanks to the County Council for doing this.
NFF December Bulletin just out
See it here (pdf)
County Council’s Flood Risk Management Strategy
The County’s Flood Risk Management Strategy was formally adopted by the County Council Cabinet this week following the consultation earlier this year.
For more information please follow the link : http://mycouncil.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?MId=4039&x=1&
The draft Strategy can be found here
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/oxfordshire-local-flood-risk-management-strategy
The final Strategy and the associated Action Plan will be available online in due course.
Hinksey Stream, weed building up, clearance will be needed fairly soon – but who will do it??
The Strategy mentions the role of riparian owners in maintenance – one of our two key concerns currently. See here too about the responsibilities of riparian owners. We have spoken today to County and expressed our keen interest in helping make this happen and how we think that could be done by County, EA and ourselves working together. Getting this under way has been our aim for a long time – and we will get there.
Prime Minister visits Oxford
From L: Barry Russell (EA); Nicola Blackwood, MP; David Cameron, Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister, Mr David Cameron, visited Oxford today. This was related to an announcement that £42 million should be available to the Oxford FAS. While this was anticipated, as Flood Defence Grant in Aid money allowable for the proposed project, to have it announced in this public way is very welcome as it adds impetus and weight to the proposal.
It does not imply though that the Scheme is a done deal: there is a rigorous assessment procedure and further public consultation to be gone through before the Treasury finally decides whether the project should go ahead.
It is also the case that no specific scheme, formally proposed, exists yet: that is still being worked on.
It was good to meet the new Chairman of the Environment Agency, Philip Dilley.
8th Annual Public Meeting
13 November 2014
Our 8th Annual Public Meeting attracted a good audience, including local politicians. This year we had three guest speakers as well as presentations from OFA on matters concerning local areas.
John Copley and Barry Russell were made OFA Flood Stars. John has expertly chaired the Oxford Area Flood Partnership since its inception in 2007. Working behind the scenes, he and the partnership have achieved a very great deal in this time. Meanwhile, a well known presence in his waders in every recent flood, Barry, from the Environment Agency, is a key figure in managing flooding on the ground. He has also been involved in many of the flood prevention measures taken here in recent years. We are immensely grateful to them both for all they have done, all the hard work and long hours put in. They have made a real difference.
Ben Ward spoke about Oxford Flood Network’s plans to install water level monitors in the Oxford area to provide live information on water levels, to a computer or smartphone, during flooding, on a much more local scale than at present available. This is an exciting prospect and we welcome it. Ben is looking for people who are prepared to have a (compact) sensor device sited, say, in their garden, or other suitable location.
Nick Ross and Matthew Rose presented Thames Water’s plans for a three-year comprehensive survey (already just begun) of main sewers throughout the Oxford area. This is very welcome as there have been many serious problems with foul sewer overflow, especially during floods.
Richard Harding and Barry Russell of the Environment Agency explained the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme. This c. £125 million scheme is intended to reduce the risk of flooding in Oxford to once in 75 years (though some areas may still be affected more often) – assuming that climate change does not conspire to make things worse (as it well may). A lively discussion ensued, which will no doubt be continued elsewhere.
Thank you to everybody who came and for the generous donations to support our work.
Maintenance
On-going maintenance is essential. People can help by telling us if they see obstructions. These branches and rubbish on Bulstake Stream were cleared promptly by the Environment Agency in November 2014 after being reported to us by members of the public.
Flood Fair
31 October 2014
OFA stand at the Oxfordshire Flood Fair this afternoon, manned by Nick Hills, Peter Rawcliffe, John Mastroddi and Simon Collings. The National Flood Forum and all the ‘flood agencies’ represented. Good attendance, interesting discussion – a useful afternoon. Well done to the County Council for organising this event.
oxford flood alliance 