Swindon council finally release Section 19 flooding report

A very soft report that does not hold stakeholders to account. On the plus side new funding for Priory Vale and Haydon Wick

The Section 19 Flood Investigation Report looks at the flooding in Swindon during autumn 2023. It identifies the causes, impacts, and steps needed to prevent future flooding. The report offers recommendations for Swindon Borough Council, Thames Water, residents, and parish councils to take action.

▶️ Swindon Borough Council:

• Improve coordination: Work more closely with Thames Water, the Environment Agency, and other agencies for faster flood response.

• Fix drainage systems: Invest in and maintain drainage infrastructure, especially in high-risk areas.

• Improve flood warnings: Provide timely alerts and clear emergency plans for residents.

▶️ Thames Water:

• Fix and upgrade sewers: Address capacity problems and make long-term improvements to the system.

• Rising main installation: A £16 million project to replace the aging Haydon End rising main. This will reduce pipe failures and improve wastewater flow.

• Reduce disruption: Use alternative routes and methods to minimize impact on residents and the environment during construction.

▶️ Residents:

• Stay informed: Sign up for flood alerts and pay attention to weather warnings.

• Protect property: Install flood barriers, airbrick covers, and other flood protection.

• Maintain watercourses: Keep local ditches, drains, and watercourses clear of debris to prevent blockages.

▶️ Parish Councils:

• Share information: Help residents understand flood risks and prevention measures.

• Support planning: Work with Swindon Borough Council and Thames Water to strengthen flood prevention and response plans.

• Act as a link: During the flooding, residents often contacted Councillor Vinay Manro for help. This shows how parish councils can be vital in coordinating local responses.

▶️ Oakhurst, Taw Hill, Haydon Wick, and Abbey Meads:

These areas experienced severe flooding in autumn 2023. The drainage systems were overwhelmed by heavy rainfall, leading to water covering roads, footpaths, and residential properties. Many homes were at risk of flooding, with gardens and driveways submerged.

Main problems:

• Drainage capacity issues: The current systems couldn’t handle the volume of rainwater.

• Blocked drains and gullies: Poorly maintained drains led to water being trapped and worsening flooding.

• Sewer system pressure: Thames Water’s network became overloaded, worsening surface water flooding in the area.

Key actions needed:

• Improve maintenance: Regularly clear and maintain drains, gullies, and watercourses to keep them working well.

• Coordinate efforts: Swindon Borough Council, Thames Water, and parish councils need to work together to solve flooding problems.

• Review and upgrade capacity: Assess and increase the capacity of drainage and sewer systems where needed.

• Encourage community involvement: Residents should report drainage issues promptly and take part in local flood groups.

• Create emergency plans: Prepare detailed emergency plans for future floods, including sandbag distribution and support for vulnerable residents.

▶️ New Funding for Haydon Wick:

A new funding initiative was announced on page B26 of the report. It focuses on improving flood prevention measures in Haydon Wick. The funding will help enhance the local drainage system, addressing some of the issues raised in the report. This investment will reduce the risk of future flooding in the area and improve long-term flood resilience.

Councillor Vinay Manro played a key role in responding to concerns from local residents. He acted as a point of contact between residents and the authorities, helping to ensure their issues were addressed.

The flooding in Oakhurst, Taw Hill, Haydon Wick, and Abbey Meads shows the need for better infrastructure and stronger partnerships. The collaboration between agencies and the local community will be essential for preventing and managing future floods.

Full report here:

https://www.swindon.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/11399/section_19_flood_investigation_report.pdf