RBWM Inaugural flood forum meeting welcomed

The first meeting of the council's new flood forum earlier this week has been hailed as "a good starting point".

Chaired by Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for Highways and Streetcare, the forum membership includes ward councillors from riverside areas, representatives from the Parish Flood Liaison group, parish councils, the Environment Agency, Thames Water and locally co-opted residents who have an interest in flooding.

The group was formed following recommendations in the Pitt Report on the July 2007 floods and the draft Floods and Water Management Bill which requires local authorities to demonstrate a proactive approach to the problem of flooding.

The group will closely monitor the progress of the Lower Thames Flood Risk Management Strategy to ensure its implementation is on schedule.

Cllr Rayner said: "The council treats the alleviation of flooding as a high priority for its residents and we welcome the formation of this group and the participation from a wide range of local representatives and key partner agencies. This is not just another talking shop. The forum will lobby the government to spend more money on flood defence work and hopefully reintroduce the dredging of our main water courses. We also want to come up with a plan that at times of flooding will bring all the agencies together to reduce risk to life and properties.

"It is a really good start and we will ensure that the momentum of this first meeting is not lost and that the Environment Agency does all it can to progress the Lower Thames Flood Strategy as soon as possible."