Survey to find cause and prevent flooding

A TOPOGRAPHICAL survey is expected to take place this month to inspect the cause of flooding in Whitchurch.

Parts of the village have suffered from occasional flooding over the years, following heavy rainfall.

The most recent flood, in January 2024, saw the level of the River Thames upstream rise to close to that of 1947, due to debris trapped in the weir.

Previous floods occurred in June 2023, which caused damage to the Greyhound pub in High Street, in 2014 and in 2013.

When the river is high, the culvert is unable to cope with the water entering from above Pangbourne Weir.

Water from the culvert then escapes into High Street, flooding the area around the junction of High Street and Eastfield Lane and eastwards along Eastfield Lane for about 150m, causing flooding in at least five properties.

Following discussions with South Oxfordshire District Council’s flood risk and drainage engineer, an investigation is due to be carried out within the next few weeks.

This includes carrying out a topographical survey of the culvert and the watercourse south of Eastfield Lane, downstream towards the Thames and clearing the open ditch downstream of the pipe exit for as far as necessary to ensure the water can freely flow.

The aim is to resolve the culvert capacity issue at minimum cost and disruption to the riparian landowners and residents.

Depending on the outcome of this work, further action may be proposed.

Oxfordshire County Council approved a grant of £20,000 and £2,500 has been released for the first stage.

Geoff Weir, a former engineer who lives in the village, is part of the Whitchurch Flood Forum with Richard Wingfield and John Southey.

He said: “We are pleased that the council has awarded Whitchurch Parish Council a grant to undertake a topographical survey of part of the watercourse.

“This is the correct and proper way to start a project such as this, with further works to be agreed after that. Our aim is to eradicate the flood risk.”