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River Thames Scheme, flood response, and managing our waterways

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2014 R&W flooding (photo courtesy of Surrey County Council)

Flooding, in its many forms, is one of the biggest risks affecting Runnymede and Weybridge, and tackling this was one of my first pledges to residents when first elected in 2019. It is essential that we work together and work all year round to address the risks and progress the measures which can reduce the local flood risk.

When discussing flooding risk most people immediately think of the River Thames Scheme. The River Thames as it runs through Runnymede and Weybridge is on the largest area of undefended, developed floodplain in England. The floods in 2014 highlighted the extent of the risk from flooding residents and businesses face each year, and it is essential that work is urgently progressed to reduce the risk to our communities. A public consultation on this has now concluded and work on the planning application is progressing.

However we must also work to address issues including surface water drainage, sewage flooding and flood insurance.

I have:

  • Worked closely with residents groups to ensure our communities concerns on flooding issues are heard 
  • Brought together organisations to collectively tackle flood risk, including Government departments, the Environment Agency, local authorities and utility companies
  • Pressed for progress on the River Thames Scheme, to ensure the protection it offers can be delivered for residents
  • Explored new ways to mitigate surface water flooding, including looking at possible improvements through planning and infrastructure design
  • Tackled sewage flooding, supporting greater duties and accountability for utility companies
  • Organised a flood conference in Runnymede and Weybridge to ensure these issues remain high priority for all involved.

 

 

 

News

RTS consultation events

The River Thames Scheme Statutory Consultation Needs To Hear From You 

Monday, 22 January, 2024
The public consultation on plans for the River Thames Scheme is now live. This includes details, maps and timelines for the RTS project and provides the opportunity for residents have their say, ahead of plans being submitted for official approval as part the national planning process.
Thames Water Visit flooding site in Thorpe

PRESS RELEASE: FLOOD RESPONSE PLANS NEED TO IMPROVE AS RESIDENTS LEFT FOR 6 DAYS WITHOUT HELP

Thursday, 19 January, 2023
Dr Ben Spencer MP is calling for greater oversight and co-ordination of flood response matters, after residents were left for 6 days with continued sewage flooding.  Following rising water levels, water contaminated with sewage began affecting some properties in Thorpe last weekend, causing da

Concerns Over Sewage Flooding Following Rising Water Levels

Tuesday, 17 January, 2023
Since yesterday, several constituents have made me aware of flooding issues in Thorpe. Following rising water levels, water contaminated with sewage is affecting some properties, causing damage and distress to residents.
RTS Defra briefing

River Thames Scheme Consultation Response

Wednesday, 21 December, 2022
This week I submitted my response to the initial non-statutory public consultation by the River Thames Scheme and its leading partners, the Environment Agency and Surrey County Council.   The floods in 2013/14 were an awful demonstration of the extent of the flood risk that residents and
Ben Spencer MP reviewing site for planned local flood alleviation works

River Thames Scheme Initial Consultation: Have Your Say

Wednesday, 14 December, 2022
There is just under one week left for constituents in Runnymede and Weybridge to submit your views on how you would like the River Thames Scheme to look.
Dr Ben Spencer hosts a meeting of flood group representatives, with officers from Surrey County Council and the Environment Agency

Flooding and River Maintenance: Meeting with Flood Group representatives

Thursday, 10 November, 2022
I recently held a meeting with flood groups and residents concerned about flooding and river maintenance issues in Runnymede and Weybridge at St. Paul’s Church in Egham Hythe.

River Thames Scheme Update

Thursday, 3 November, 2022
Last month I joined a team of River Thames Scheme (RTS) project leaders from Surrey County Council and the Environment Agency to visit the Runnymede sites that are proposed to be used for the vital flood alleviation project.   The River Thames Scheme is a huge project, DEFRA’s biggest nat
Thames Water DWMP consultation response from Dr Ben Spencer MP

PRESS RELEASE: Thames Water’s draft 25 year improvement plan risks letting down people in Runnymede and Weybridge, says Dr Ben Spencer MP 

Wednesday, 21 September, 2022
Thames Water’s draft 25 year improvement plan risks letting down people in Runnymede and Weybridge, says Dr Ben Spencer MP, who is calling for areas at greatest risk of sewage discharges and sewer flooding to be prioritised.  Earlier this summer Thames Water published its draft drainage and wa
Dr Ben Spencer MP at the Chertsey Bourne

Flood Action Groups and River Clearance

Thursday, 7 July, 2022
Following on from first Runnymede and Weybridge Flood Conference which I hosted at the Egham Literary Institute in November last year, I am having a follow up meeting with local community group leaders on supporting action to help clean up our rivers and ensure we all do our part to contribute to a
Tackling flooding across Runnymede and Weybridge

Flood Action Week: Tackling Flood Risk Across Runnymede and Weybridge

Wednesday, 24 November, 2021
This Flood Action Week (22-28 November) the Environment Agency is urging people to be aware of flooding risks and protect themselves and their properties from possible flooding. Flooding is one of the greatest risks we face in Runnymede and Weybridge, and as we head into winter many residents will
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My Plan

  • Improve local rail services
  • Support our schools
  • Better protection from flooding
    • River Thames Scheme and maintaining waterways
      • Flooding contact information
      • River Thames Scheme
    • Campaign for a Local Flood Control Centre
  • Enhance access to NHS services
  • Reduce air and noise pollution
  • Scrap ULEZ expansion

Dr Ben Spencer Member of Parliament for Runnymede and Weybridge

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