To receive the above verbal update.

Ben Crampin gave a presentation with some updates from RBWM:

·       On the Wraysbury Drain, some maintenance work took place around the downstream of the control structure where watercourse splits from the Horton Drain. In addition, some site investigations were taking place upstream of the splash including the sections of watercourse downstream of the previous works site. There was also some silk clearance which took around the downstream end of the Windsor Road Bridge owned.

·       Some communication took place with landowners on the downstream ends of the Wraysbury Drain where there had been some long-standing issues with the watercourse over the last few years. Ben Crampin expected to arrange a site visit in the upcoming weeks to discuss the area as well as upstream.

·       Windsor Road Bridge maintenance works had not started yet. This was due to the gully sucker (used to pump out silk) could not suck up logs and bricks. RBWM Flood Management were looking into how to undertake this clear-up in a more effective way.

·       At Douglas Lane and Windsor Road, RBWM Flood Management were working with landowners to maintain sections of watercourse underneath the highway.

·       A programme of work was put in place for the next year.

·       Surveys were conducted at Datchet Barrell Arch which revealed that there were no major issues.

·       A contract was being finalised to undertake silt clearance around Datchet Barrell Arch. Ben Crampin warned that some closures may take place, but there would be a 90-day notice.

·       Work had started on the Flap Valve at Penn Road. Initial surveying and modelling work had been undertaken to get a better understanding of the area. The modelling work was expected to be finished by the end of October 2022, with results by the end of 2022.

·       Over the past few months, work had been conducted on Grant-in-Aid projects, namely whether they were feasible or not. This included the surface water study in Holyport Fifield and Oakley Green areas. Progress was expected to begin 2023.

·       A new Flood Risk Officer was recruited whose role was to investigate and report flooding issues. RBWM Flood Management were also seeking a Sustainable Drainage Officer.

·       Ben Crampin was also seeking to expand the flooding content on the RBWM website over the next year. The additional content was likely to include watercourse responsibilities, SuDS and Ordinary Watercourse Consent.

Parish Councillor Ian Thompson asked for progress on Eton End Rail Tunnel where a discussion between RBWM and Network Rail took place. He also asked what amount was available from £10 million allocated to the Local Flood Plan. Brianne Vally stated that an EA had an initial meeting with Network Rail whereby there was a better understanding of Network Rail’s requirements if EA decided to proceed with maintenance in the area. She stated that RBWM had decided that the option would require an investigation as part of the Datchet to Hythe End Flood Improvement Measure to collect information in the area.

Parish Councillor Malcolm Beer asked if there was any progress on the issues on Straight Road in Old Windsor which had a history of flooding. Ben Crampin stated that there had been some maintenance work in place, such as an extra gully to mitigate the flow of water. He suggested to meet with Parish Councillor Malcolm Beer to investigate any flooding issues.

ACTION: Ben Crampin to meet with Parish Councillor Malcolm Beer to investigate the flooding issue on Straight Road, Old Windsor.

Parish Councillor Ian Thompson stated that there were some problems with the water mains in Datchet which meant there were still flooding issues around Datchet Village Green despite some maintenance works previously taking place. Ben Crampin asked if Parish Councillor Ian Thompson could email him the details of the issues, in which Ben Crampin would forward them to VolkerHighways so that a contractor could get involved.

ACTION: Parish Councillor Ian Thompson to forward details of the flooding issues surrounding the drain near Datchet Village Green to Ben Crampin, who then forward these details to VolkerHighwaysto allow them to investigate the issue.

Emily Merritt, Emergency Planning Officer, reported that the Emergency Planning Team would add content on RBWM’s flood webpage, such as preparation for flooding and the risks associated with that.

Emily Merritt stated that there was some Flood Awareness Training on Thursday 17^th November, being orchestrated by Royal Borough Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS). She said she would share the details of this training to flood wardens and potentially the wider Borough. In addition, the Annual Flood Wardens meeting was taking place on Tuesday 22^nd November.

The forum noted the update.