In the past month many people living in Runnymede and Weybridge have yet again faced the anxiety and stress of rising river levels and flood warnings. Unfortunately a number of properties were affected by river flooding and drainage issues caused by highwater levels. Is simply not good enough that residents must continue to deal with this known risk.
For the past year I have been working with the Environment Agency, DEFRA, utility companies and local authorities to address the multiple issues we face: the need for progress with the River Thames Scheme, action on sewerage and drainage, flood insurance, planning and building on flood plain, and the need for clear communication of a co-ordinated plan in response to flooding incidents.
I have been chasing utility companies and the EA to get them to take action on sewage flooding. At the end of last year I met with Thames Water to discuss their action plan and in the coming months will meet with them and local residents to discuss how to resolve this and protect homes. On drainage issues, having contacted the CEO of Thames Water she is now looking into these matters directly and I will continue to press for action to be taken. There is also work underway in Parliament to ensure untreated sewage is not discharged into rivers and other inland waters, and I will be supporting this legislation when it is brought forward.
I hope to also shortly have positive news regarding progress on the River Thames Scheme as I continue to work with Surrey County Council and press for this Scheme to receive final approval so that we can begin the detailed planning process that will be required.