Commons Sense

We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the country and the River Thames is an integral and vibrant part of life in our community.

But, as we all know, during periods of extreme weather, its proximity can make us vulnerable to flooding.

Over past weeks, storms have led to flooding in Old Windsor, Datchet and Wraysbury, and

many of us will now be facing substantial costs for clean-up, and the stress of making right the damage done.

I would like to thank our emergency services who worked tirelessly to assist those in need, particularly in Wraysbury, where they coordinated the support and evacuation of vulnerable residents as roads were affected by rising water levels.

It remains clear that the flood defences along Windsor’s section of the Thames must be improved.

For years, I have been a supporter of the River Thames Scheme, which would create two new river channels at Runnymede and Spelthorne, helping to alleviate flooding, and protecting thousands of homes, businesses and vital pieces of infrastructure.

In 2015, RBWM was involved in discussions about a further leg of the project known as ‘Channel One’, which would have protected Old Windsor, Wraysbury and Datchet.

Unfortunately, RBWM withdrew from the scheme, deeming it unaffordable.

The cancellation of ‘Channel One’ has been a great detriment to the villages who are still left at the mercy of floodwaters.

I hope that, before we are faced with the next period of flooding, RBWM are able to come to an arrangement with the partners in the River Thames Scheme so that ‘Channel One’ can be revived, ensuring that people across Windsor can enjoy the safety and certainty they deserve.