A recent public meeting marked the beginning of an action group aimed at addressing consistent flooding issues in the area. In September last year, the town’s Waitrose experienced a partial closure due to flooding, with water levels reaching around 3cm deep. In early 2024, Storm Henk caused significant flooding concerns, drawing attention to the issue’s magnitude.
A Wantage Town Council spokesperson commented on the event: “The Public Flood Group meeting held on the evening of Tuesday, July 22, was a great success, with many local residents attending to share their experiences and ideas about combating local flooding. As part of preparing for future resilience, the aim is to formally establish the Flood Group itself, which will help coordinate local efforts moving forward.”
The meeting saw the participation of Wantage’s Mayor, Iain Cameron, Councillor Keith Morris, and representatives from several local flood groups. The town council’s initiative has received backing from MP Olly Glover, who expressed his approval of how the council is engaging with the idea.
Referencing a flood summit he organized in East Hanney, the Liberal Democrat MP for Didcot and Wantage highlighted discussions surrounding multiple strategies to improve flood resilience. These strategies included upgrading standards for new housing developments with flood prevention as a priority, educating landowners on flood management, improving bridges and culverts, and assisting communities in setting up their own flood groups.
MP Olly Glover emphasized that while local measures are beneficial, many necessary changes must be tackled at a national level. He suggested incorporating sustainable drainage into future developments and requiring developers to review a development’s drainage performance five years post-construction. “With climate change bringing ever more extreme weather, we need building regulations to provide more resilience and investment in flood defences,” he added.
Sarah James, leader of the Greens on Vale of White Horse District Council, echoed the need for broader national change. She noted the severe impacts flooding has on residents, from travel disruption and rising insurance costs to displacing people from their homes for prolonged periods. Flood events also often lead to sewage releases, posing serious health risks.
James also remarked on the disappointing decision by the Environment Agency not to proceed with the Thames Valley Flood Scheme, despite the increasing frequency of flooding events. She highlighted concerns that rural communities might feel neglected, especially when larger places like Abingdon and Oxford receive more attention. James stated, “It can feel as though the main focus is on larger places like Abingdon and Oxford. I am very concerned that the cost-benefit analysis approach to flood alleviation schemes makes it hard for rural communities to get support.”
For those interested in making a difference locally, you can submit an event or create a free business profile on our business directory to engage with or form community groups focused on flood prevention and resilience.
