Council votes to enforce action on drainage systems

Councillors have backed a motion calling for action to make sure drainage infrastructure is fit-forpurpose to help minimise the impact of flooding.

The motion, put forward by Cllr Ewan Larcombe (NFPP, Datchet, Horton or Wraysbury), urged the council to take 'immediate action’ to ensure that drainage systems in the borough are well maintained.

Welcoming the motion, Cllr Jodie Grove (TBFI, Datchet, Horton and Wraysbury), said: “We can’t ignore the deteriorated state of our land drainage systems.

“We can make a difference now as well-maintained land drainage infrastructure is essential to protect the properties, businesses and possibly the lives of the residents in this borough.

“Residents who have for so long seen no maintenance of this infrastructure, despite highlighting the ever-increasing need as well as the multitude of negative impacts, the lack of action has had, and continues to have.”

Cllr Joshua Reynolds (Lib Dem, Furze Platt) called the motion ‘fantastic’, adding that it is not only important the infrastructure is built, but that it is then maintained and fit-for-purpose.

Cllr Richard Coe (Lib Dem, Riverside), explained that the Royal Borough’s responsibility on drainage is primarily through enforcement on landowners, but the authority can also help in areas where ownership is quite complicated.

He added: “It is increasingly important that we maintain these drains because, as councillor Larcombe pointed out, sodden ground that is full up to the brim with water, the next lot of rain will lead to groundwater flooding, and that’s been a large factor in the flooding this time that hasn't been previously.”

Council leader Simon Werner explained that since the new administration came into power, work on drainage has already started, but added that a clear plan needs to be put in place.

Councillors unanimously agreed to the motion.