Update on the River Thames Scheme

The River Thames Scheme is a proposed program of projects and investments to reduce flood risk in communities near Heathrow, including: Datchet, Wraysbury, Egham, Staines, Chertsey, Shepperton, Weybridge, Sunbury, Molesey, Thames Ditton, Kingston and Teddington.

The River Thames between Datchet and Teddington has the largest area of developed floodplain in England without flood defenses. Over 15,000 homes and businesses within the area are at risk from flooding.

The scheme consists of major engineering work to construct a new flood channel between 30 to 60 meters wide and 17 kilometers long, built in three sections: Datchet to Hythe End, Egham Hythe to Chertsey and Shepperton.

It also includes improving the flow capacity of three existing weirs on the River Thames: Sunbury, Molesey and Teddington as well as installing property level products for up to 1200 homes to make them more resistant to flooding.

The Environment Agency will hold a number of public events to discuss the River Thames Scheme with local residents and businesses.

The events, taking place from 4pm-8pm, will be in the following locations in August and September:

  • Tuesday, 25 August – Wraysbury Village Hall;
  • Thursday, 27 August – St Nicholas Parish Hall, Shepperton;
  • Tuesday, 1 September – Chertsey Hall;
  • Thursday, 3 September – Landmark Arts Centre, Teddington;
  • Friday, 4 September – The Hythe Centre, Staines;
  • Tuesday, 8 September – YMCA, Hawker Centre, Richmond Road, Kingston;
  • Wednesday, 9 September – Molesey Boat Club;
  • Friday, 11 September – Riverside Arts Centre, Sunbury;
  • Tuesday, 15 Sepbember – Datchet Village Hall.