READING Borough Council is set to be presented with a report laying out possible responses to flooding earlier this year, including preventative measures for future issues.
Three months of extremely wet weather, as well as intense rainfall during Storm Henk, left much of the ground in Reading saturated.
Around 65% of the recorded total rainfall for the month of January fell in the first four days– 38% of the month’s total rainfall fell in a single 12-hour period.
This in turn caused severe flooding which caused significant damage to 24 properties.
The council launched a report to lay out preventative measures which could be taken in the future, compiled by independent specialists Stantec.
The report, due to be presented to the council next Monday, July 8, explored which other organisations the council shares responsibility with and what actions can be taken to counteract circumstances and mitigate damage.
It explains how heavy rainfall led to the River Thames reaching its highest recorded levels since major floods in the late 1940s, as well as significant flooding in the Kennet, Holy Brook, and associated tributaries.
It was declared a major incident by the council and emergency services, with action plans set in motion by public health authorities, social services, and education organisations.
Residents were consulted in February about further action which could be taken, with a number of suggested actions set out in the finished report.
These include the investigation of the state of the Christchurch ditch, which could see repairs and the installation of a screen designed to capture debris before it enters the ditch.
Over in Southcote, there are proposals to permanently raise the access road level under Briscoe’s Bridge and the possible installation of a drainage ditch and culvert, alongside water level gauges in the Holy Brook and ‘re-wetting’ of Kennet Meadows.
Chris Wheeler, Assistant Director of Environmental and Commercial Services, said:
“It is a devastating experience for any householder or business owner who suffers flooding of their properties.
“The months of heavier than normal rainfall followed by the downpours caused by Storm Henk resulted in a rapid rise in river levels and the flooding of 24 properties in Reading, with many other residents concerned.
They explained: “With flooding events expected to be more regular due to climate change, it is vital that residents know how to stay alert and to be prepared for flood threats, and that the Council and other responsible bodies have robust plans in place.
“Experience and learning from the floods in January will help the Council and its partner agencies to take further measures to help reduce the risk of flooding and to work effectively together at any future flooding emergencies.”
The report is set to be presented at the council’s Policy Committee on Monday, July 8.
Full details of the report are available via: democracy.reading.gov.uk
