Residents have say on flood plans
(Page last updated at 11:15 GMT, Wednesday, 25 November 2009)
Residents have just over a week to have their say on a £300m flood defence consultation designed to protect homes.
The Lower Thames Flood Risk Management Strategy has been developed by the Environment Agency to study the River Thames from Datchet to Teddington.
The plans could see three flood diversion channels created, similar to the Jubilee River, and would take up to 15 years to complete.
Residents have until 4 December to comment before plans are considered.
Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council will then discuss the consultation plans, which are subject to government funding, on 14 December.
'Live in fear'
The plans include three flood diversion channels to cope with an overflow between Datchet and Shepperton.
They are similar to the 11.6km (7.2 miles) Jubilee River, which was built to protect Maidenhead, Windsor and Eton from flooding.
It follows an independent review by Sir Michael Pitt into the flooding emergency that took place in June and July 2007.
Resident Julie Bolton, from Ham Island, Old Windsor, whose home was flooded in 2003, said that it was "vital" a short term solution was found.
"We live in fear now of being flooded again," she said.
"My belief is that a programme of regular river maintenance and dredging, particularly at the pinch points where there are problems, will help to alleviate the situation."
The Environment Agency said that comments would be taken into account for government approval in 2010.