To receive the above verbal update.

Richard Hancock, Environment Agency for Thames Side Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, gave an update on the Datchet to Hythe End Flood Improvement Measures (DHEFIM).

On the EA Project Lifecycle, the Environment Agency (EA) had been working through the strategic assessment and then towards the strategic outline case (SOC), which had been prepared and submitted to the Large Projects Review Group (LPRG). Feedback had been received from LPRG in which EA were reviewing before the SOC being recommended to the area director for approval.

Richard Hancock then stated that there was a successful case for there being viable alternative options to mitigate flood risk, but EA were nevertheless reviewing the feedback from LPRG before recommending approval.

Scoping for the next stage of the project (Outline Business Case) had started with agreement of EA’s internal assurance process as there was a strong case to put forward.

Richard Hancock also reported that two relevant parish councils were visited with the remaining relevant councils being visited after the local elections on 4 May 2023.

Richard Hancock also highlighted that Victor Freeney no longer worked with the communications and engagement side of the project. As such, a replacement would be recruited.

Richard Hancock then reported that an external stakeholder group would be arranged during the Outline Business Case stage of the project and after the local elections.

The Chair asked which were the two relevant parish councils in which Richard Hancock visited. The latter replied that he visited Old Windsor and Wraysbury with Datchet and Horton being the remaining parish councils to be visited.

On the Business Outline Case, Parish Councillor Ian Thompson (Datchet PC) asked what sum was available by RBWM for flood defences which could go into the Business Outline Case. Ben Crampin, Flood Risk Manager, replied that approximately £10 million had been accumulated for the EA in relation to the DHEFIM project. He added that RBWM were also in contact with the EA on when they needed this money. The Chair added that there were EA funding streams and other stakeholders in addition.

Joshua Hardcastle, Asset Performance Officer, EA, gave an update on the pioneering works along the Colne Brook. He reported that the primary aim of the project was to improve flood conveyance within the area while also being mindful of preserving habitats. He showed photos of the work which the external contractor had conducted, such as removing debris and hanging trees.

The Chair requested for Joshua Hardcastle to share the presentation document with the clerk, Laurence Ellis, Democratic Services Officer, who would then circulate it to meeting attendees. He also requested to Parish Councillor Mike Williams (Wraysbury PC) for this document to distributed amongst flood wardens.

ACTION:Joshua Hardcastle to share the presentation document on the Colne Brook Pioneering works with Laurence Ellis who would then circulate it to Flood Group members and flood wardens.

For a general update on the strategic overview, Richard Hancock reported that there had been a reasonably wet winter, with 150% of the long-term average rainfall within the Thames catchment. On the whole, it was one of the wettest rainfalls during March on record.

The catchment was saturated and would react accordingly, namely flood alerts and warnings may be issued and it being further compounded by the automation of the flood warning system in response to industrial action across the public sector.

The Chair asked if industrial action was continuing, to which Richard Hancock replied that it was likely still active and there would be additional dates of industrial action in late April.

Parish Councillor Mike Williams asked for confirmation on whether the Jubilee River top gate had been operated on. Richard Hancock replied that he could investigate this. He added that there was a flood alert where individuals could sign up to which would then inform when the gates were activated.

Parish Councillor Mike Williams (Wraysbury Parish Council) asked about flood warning service notifications. Richard Hancock answered that residents could register an area of an interest within the flood warning service and then receive the notification of when the Maidenhead and Windsor Flood Alleviation Scheme gates were activated. He stated that he could forward him the instructions on how to register. The Chair requested for this to be forwarded the clerk, Laurence Ellis, and for this to be circulated to all meeting attendees.

ACTION:Richard Hancock to forward instructions on signing up to the flood warning service to Laurence Ellis, who would then circulate this to Flood Group attendees.