A pump and sump scheme that will provide enhanced protection against groundwater to properties in Earl Street has been approved by the City Council. The scheme was devised by residents Nick Hills (of OFA) and Andy Webber, with input from Paul Kirkley from the council. Paul has been hugely supportive on the ground and with grant applications. Andy stepped down from OFA steering group a while ago, but remains very active in local flood prevention and protection. The scheme will be funded by aggregating individual property Repair and Resilience Grants from Defra, via the City Council, as a community scheme. A contractor has been approved, and work is expected to commence imminently.
Thames Water’s Oxford (sewer) Catchment Study – meeting
Two of us met with two people from Thames Water today. Thames Water are getting on with the first stages of their Oxford Catchment Study, designed to find out why we get sewer flooding in many parts of Oxford. Some technical studies have already been done, house to house interviews with residents in affected areas will begin quite soon. A dedicated website should be up and running shortly, possibly as early as next week.
We are delighted that this study is happening – Oxford is one of only five places in Thames Water’s area to be having such a detailed study. This is a necessary first stage in, hopefully, getting action to remedy the problems. We are helping in any way we can.
This study will be used, along with other evidence, to guide Thames Water when they consider how much the proposed Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme would help solve sewer problems – and hence, presumably, how much they could consider contributing to that multi-partner scheme.
Thames Water agree how important it is that when new building is proposed that there is adequate prior consideration given, i.e. at the planning stage, to whether the sewer system will be able to cope.
South Hinksey groundwork – update
South Hinksey: groundwork for temporary flood barriers
Permissions have to be obtained, plans drawn and contracts agreed, so it will be a time till diggers appear. Funding is thanks to the Vale of White Horse District Council. Execution is shared between the Council and the Environment Agency. Surveying has begun. Work on the ground is now expected to begin in September.
Flood Repair and Renew grant – extended eligibility and deadlines
Andrew Smith MP has kindly sent us this recent letter about the Flood Repair and Renew Grant scheme.
The key points are
1. the eligibility period has been extended back to April 2013;
2. deadlines for applications have been extended.
Flooding and farmland
An interesting article (in December) in the Oxford Mail from Andrew Ingram of the CLA
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.
oxford flood alliance 