The residents of Letcombe Road in Letcombe Regis, near Wantage, have once again been confronted with the sight of floodwaters. Torrential rain overnight on Wednesday, March 6, inundated large sections of the road, frustrating locals and disappointing councillors, who have worked tirelessly to address the ongoing issue.
Working Tirelessly to Manage Flooding
Oxfordshire County Council responded promptly, dispatching contractors to the flood-affected site. A trench was quickly dug to lay down a new pipe that connects the road to nearby Letcombe Brook. However, the task was made more challenging as the trench filled with rainwater, further complicating efforts to mitigate the flooding.
Local councillor Paul Barrow expressed his concerns at the site, not least due to additional setbacks caused by vehicular traffic. “It was not helped by someone driving through the flood before the barriers went up, which damaged the pipe used for the pumping,” he explained. Fortunately, the damaged pipework has since been replaced, and floodwaters on Letcombe Road have been successfully removed.
An End to Persistent Flooding?
The recurring flooding has predominantly been attributed to silt obstructing drains. The drainage system beneath the road is intended to channel water from the northern sloping fields into Letcombe Brook. However, before reaching the brook, the water settles in a sump, where silt accumulates rapidly. This accumulation has caused multiple flooding incidents in recent years.
Cllr Barrow remained cautious about the new measures. “We are hoping that this new pipework will resolve most of the problem, but the silt and mud left on the road are evidence of how much is being drained off these fields. It seems probable that emptying the sump twice a year might not be sufficient.” His remarks echoed the concerns of residents who continue to seek a long-term solution to the issue.
Constant Battle with Flooding
The incident on Letcombe Road is not isolated. In November 2023, emergency services were called to respond to flooding at the W&G estate on the A417 following Storm Ciaran, which forced road closures. Local business owners requested additional resources to manage persistent flood risks and reduce the disruption caused by these events.
As an immediate remedy, traffic was redirected away from the waterlogged estate, and vehicular use was halted temporarily. Meanwhile, Letcombe Road, though currently dry, remains closed. The new pipework has been installed, and silt left from the recent flooding is set to be cleared over the next week.
Looking Ahead
Residents of Wantage and its surrounding areas, including Letcombe Regis, remain hopeful for more permanent and effective solutions to the flooding problems that have plagued them for years. If you’re a local business or organization in Wantage aiming to provide solutions or awareness about environmental challenges, consider submitting a free listing on our directory to connect with the community.
For those interested in upcoming community efforts or events aimed at addressing environmental concerns, don’t forget to explore our events and activities page. Working together, the Wantage area can focus on resolving these pressing challenges.
