Appleton with Eaton Rainwater and Flooding committee. Update March 2009

Flooding and its prevention

We all recall the dreadful flooding in and around Appleton in July 2007 and to a lesser degree in 2008, needless to say we want to avoid any recurrence. The Parish Council and its Flooding Sub-Committee have, in conjunction with local authorities ,achieved quite a number of improvements and instigated prevention measures that will reduce the risk of flood damage in the future. However there is still more to do and the process of continual improvement will be followed.

But you as a parishioner can also help. At this time of year we all think of getting the garden ship shape and ready to enjoy in the coming months, but do we all consider the bigger picture ? do we think about water courses such a ditches, gullies, piped drains etc. As the Riparian owner you will be responsible for any ditches on your property or boundaries, even if they have been piped and filled. Please ensure that these are cleaned and able to carry the water that they are intended for, maybe you can help neighbors who are less able to maintain theirs. Please also be sensible when disposing garden waste, throwing it over the hedge or dumping it in places such as Doctors or Green lane is not only illegal and unsightly it actually contributes towards the flood risk.

If we all do our little bits the overall rainwater management of the village will improve and this will contribute significantly to preventing a repeat of the terrible situation that over 40 residents found themselves in in 2007.

Rainwater management - The situation now: In October, Vale of White Horse District Council (VOWH) drew up recommended actions to reduce flood risk in Appleton. This year, residents and landowners together with Oxfordshire Highways have cleaned out ditches and surveyed drains. Many of the recommended actions are ongoing. In October, members of the parish council and other villagers met with Peter Dela of VOWH and Keith Lead of the Environment Agency to consder the continuing threat of flooding of Osse Brook at and around Oaksmere bridge. The Rainwater and Flooding group are compiling a map of riparian (waterside) landowners, drainage ditches and pipes. The group are also gathering information on historic drainage issues and a list of useful contacts.

Future actions The committee will liaise with VOWH to press for the resolution of outstanding flood risks and for a longer term flooding alleviation scheme. VOWH council are working with the committee to produce a co-ordinated Flood action plan. This will be informed by best practice of other flood action groups in the county. Developments can be followed on the parish council pages of this website. Please contact the council if you have information or other input that may help towards the establishment of a flood action plan or a flood alleviation scheme.