Oxford Flood Alleviation Meetings Announced

Over 6 days, from 23 June to 3 July, the Environment Agency and its partners are running a series of ‘drop-in’ sessions at various locations in and around Oxford to explain how they plan to reduce the risk of flooding in the city.

A key aim of the sessions is to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to talk directly with the technical specialists about the scheme, which will include a new flood relief channel. Also there will be information on how work has progressed since the Environment Agency first unveiled its flood risk management strategy in 2009.

All the events run from 2.30 pm until 7.30 pm. Dates and locations are as follows:

• Tuesday 23 June at Kennington Village Hall
• Thursday 25 June at Abingdon Guildhall
• Friday 26 June at West Oxford Community Centre
• Tuesday 30 June at Oxford Town Hall
• Friday July 3 at South Oxford Community Centre

Representatives from all the organisations working on the flood alleviation scheme will be present. Cllr Rodney Rose, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Plans for the flood alleviation scheme are progressing well, and now is a good time to listen to residents about their ideas and expectations from the project.”

Although a lot of good work has already been done, the project is still in its early ‘appraisal’ stage. Further work still needs to be carried out, relevant approvals gained (such as planning permission), and more funding secured before construction work can start.