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 Added 16/12/2009    

 

 

 

 

 

15^th December 2009

 

Lower Thames Strategy Feedback

Environment Agency

Swift House

Frimley Business Park

CAMBERLEY

Surrey GU16 7SQ

 

Dear Sirs

 

LOWER THAMES FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY CONSULTATION RESPONSE

 

In addition to this submission I have also assisted in completing the Environment Agency consultation document in my capacity as a Committee Member for ThamesAwash.  This has been submitted separately by ThamesAwash.  However, I have strong personal views following the flooding in 2003 which I express below. 

 

In principle I agree with the above strategy.  However, I have no confidence that the Environment Agency will carry out the strategy correctly and am therefore concerned that once implemented it will put homes, business, lives and infrastructure at risk. 

 

My concerns are based on the fact that following the 1992 Public Enquiry into the MWEFAS (Jubilee River) scheme the structure of the Jubilee River was altered, with the knowledge and agreement of the Environment Agency, thereby causing collapse in many places on first use.  What guarantees can the Environment Agency give that this will not happen again when the construction of the LTFRMS is finally agreed? 

 

Also, the operation of both the LTFRMS and the Jubilee River relies on human management.  Again, on first major use in 2003 the Jubilee River was mismanaged and misoperated to the detriment of people, homes, lives and businesses downstream of the Jubilee River.  It has been requested that the public are informed when the Jubilee River is being operated.  However, this has not happened.  As a consequence boaters in the Wraysbury stretch of the river in particular have great difficulty ensuring safety of their boats because the level of the river goes up and down like a yo-yo.  The behaviour of the river in the Wraysbury stretch has been totally different since the Jubilee River was built.  Why is it not possible for the Environment Agency to include operation of the Jubilee River, and the LTFRMS when it is completed, on the internet so the public are aware when it is being operated?    We understand that some information may be put on the EA website next year.  If information is published on the website it is essential that, as well as river levels, the operation of the Taplow sluices and gates is also shown . 

 

In addition, when the LTFRMS is completed it is essential that the operation of this scheme is completely linked with the operation of the Jubilee River and that full details of the operation are publicly on view for all to see.  Can the Environment Agency guarantee that this will happen? 

 

So, as stated, I agree in principle with this scheme but when will it be implemented?  Ten, 15, 20, 25 years from now?  Whatever the time limit is it is too far in the future for the Environment Agency just to sit back and do nothing now.  With climate change anticipated and the devastating floods that have engulfed this country in the last few years, it is essential that the Government allocate sufficient funds to help alleviate the massive flooding that is overwhelming the country now. 

 

With regard to the LTFRMS, short term measures must be found and carried out immediately to help alleviate flooding.  Measures must be put in place, such as making use of the natural floodplain and also ensuring a programme of regular river maintenance and dredging, particularly at pinch points in the river, in order to increase the capacity of the river wherever possible.  Any measures which can be taken to improve the capacity of the river including dredging and river maintenance will be invaluable until the LTFRMS is complete.  It is essential that the Environment Agency is given the power and the DUTY to dredge not only for navigation purposes but also for flood defence purposes, where appropriate.

 

The Environment Agency must realise that they have to build the confidence of the public in all that they do.  At present, I for one still live in fear of being flooded again following the 2003 fiasco and wait for action to be taken now by the Environment Agency to help alleviate the risk of flooding in this area. 

 

Yours faithfully

 

Gillie Bolton (Mrs)