Parts of Oxfordshire have been badly hit by flooding since the New Year. Although we have seen some damage in Banbury, it has not been to the same level that many of us will recall in 1998 when more than 350 people were forced to flee their homes after the River Cherwell burst its banks. After a similar flood in 2007, it was decided that a flood alleviation scheme in Banbury was needed.
I was pleased to get the opportunity to visit this month along with the Environment Agency’s Thames Area Director, Anna Burns, and her team. Consisting of a 2.9 kilometre embankment with two flow control centres, the scheme protects homes and businesses in Banbury from flooding when the River Cherwell’s water level rises. At full capacity, the storage basin can safely hold back 3 million cubic metres of water – equivalent to 1200 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Since its completion in 2012, the scheme has been tested a number of times. Given the levels of flooding we have seen elsewhere, we are very thankful to have such an effective scheme in place in Banbury. The embankment and flood plain also prove to be a popular walking destination for local residents, with a direct path connecting to the town and Banbury Country Park.