Windsor and Maidenhead flooding: 'Systematic failure' over prevention, councillor says

There has been a "prolonged and systemic failure" to help communities affected by severe flooding, a councillor has said.

Ewan Larcombe criticised Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) council's record on flood prevention.

The Datchet, Horton and Wraysbury Ward councillor said his constituency had been particularly badly affected in the past, including in 2014.

The council said it "shared residents' frustration".

Mr Larcombe's comments come as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published a report on the effects of climate change on health in the country, including greater risks of extreme heat and flooding.

He characterised the borough's record on flood prevention and land drainage maintenance as "prolonged and systemic failure".

"I have witnessed some progress recently but for the most part all I see is words and not action," he said.

He added that previous council leadership had "repeatedly proclaimed support" for flood alleviation schemes, yet they had "failed to raise the funding in premeditated silence".

"Flooding and flood prevention is an economic and geopolitical problem that has always been at the bottom of the list of priorities until the water level rises - and then the council sends a lorry load of sandbags," he added.

Mr Larcombe also warned his constituency was especially at risk due to its proximity to several large bodies of water, and called for legislation around flooding to be updated, including the Floods and Water Management Act 2010.

He previously raised concerns about the status of the River Thames Scheme (RTS), which is intended to prevent flooding in the Home Counties.

However, the Royal Borough withdrew from this project a few years ago amid concerns around budgeting.

Mr Coe previously said: "All flood risk management projects are complex, multi-stage, significant infrastructure projects."

He added it "takes time to identify suitable options working with the community, secure the required permissions and raise the significant investment required from multiple sources in order for them to go ahead".

"Flooding remains a very real risk and concern in Datchet, Horton, Wraysbury and Old Windsor, and we share residents' frustration at the slow pace imposed by national frameworks," he continued.

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