Town's flooding was worst since 1947, report finds

The flooding in Reading was the worst in the town for 76 years, the report finds

The River Thames reached its highest recorded level in Reading since the town's major floods of 1947, a report has found.

Reading Borough Council said 21 homes and three businesses were left submerged during the flooding in January, which resulted in the authority declaring a major incident.

Three months of wet weather and Storm Henk contributed to the situation, with 38% of the month's rain falling in a 12-hour period, it said.

The report, which suggests improvements and work to prevent future damage, will be seen by councillors next week.

The report prepared for the council said 65% of January's rain fell across four days in Reading

The authority’s contractor Stantec found the rainfall recorded in the three months prior to January was up to 150% above the long-term average.

It proposes investigating the capacity of Christchurch Ditch and finding out if repairs are needed to a footbridge at the eastern end of Hills Meadow.

Other work in the Southcote and Kennet Meadows area will include looking at permanently raising the access road level under Briscoe’s Bridge.

Stantec’s report said 65% of January's total recorded rainfall came between New Year’s Day and 4 January.

Emergency supplies were delivered in Maidenhead by boat during the floods in 1947

Chris Wheeler, the council's assistant director of environmental and commercial services, said: “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.”

March 1947’s floods across the Thames Valley caused major disruption and were caused by runoff from rain and snowmelt. About 1,600 homes were affected in Reading.

The report will be seen by Reading councillors on the council's policy committee on Monday.