Young Reporter: Action On Flood Threats Lydia Pannett Tiffin Girls’

The RTS’s new modelling report (published 26th September 2023) confirms that river flooding and upstream water will be significantly reduced by different channels that will be dug to protect our communities, all backed up with copious amounts of data. With bed lowering, additional gates added as Molesey, Sunbury and Teddington, and the widening of the Desborough cut, the report demonstrates how these strategies will reduce the risk of future flooding, which we will unfortunately be threatened with as we experience more extreme weather patterns due to climate change.

The floods of Jan-Feb 2014 affected large numbers of businesses and homes, causing entire roads to flood and chaos to ensue. Exceptional volumes of water flooded neighbourhoods with many being forced to evacuate. These catastrophic events left many residents feeling as if not enough was being done to protect their homes. Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council said:

“The scheme means communities along the River Thames can look forward to a brighter future knowing that Surrey County Council, the Environment Agency, their partners and the project’s team of expert engineers are working hard to reduce the likelihood of their homes and businesses flooding.”

Yet won’t this water displacement have an impact on neighbourhoods downstream of these channels and gates? The answer is no! Over a decade in the making, the River Thames Scheme has put compensations in place to make sure that no one will be at any greater risk of serious flooding. With new cycle paths and footpaths as well, we will be able to enjoy our beautiful river more than ever before. The scheme will also enhance the local economy of these areas, bringing infinite benefits to those living around them. Construction is expected to start in 2027.

Helping the environment around the river is also at the heart of the River Thames Scheme, which aims to mature the natural habitats in our areas and create new wetlands to reintroduce migratory birds and encourage biodiversity. By increasing the amount of green spaces around us, we can mitigate the impacts of pollution on London and the surrounding areas and create better spaces for the younger generation – a win-win situation we can all cheer for!