Thames flooding scheme consultation gets under way

There was flooding along the Thames in Surrey when Storm Henk hit in January

A public consultation starts on Monday into plans to reduce flooding around the Thames.

Under the plans, two new channels will run from Egham Hythe to Chertsey and Laleham to Weybridge.

The project aims to reduce flooding risk for 11,000 homes and 1,600 businesses between Egham and Teddington.

In-person and virtual events about the plans will be held over a six-week period.

The River Thames Scheme, a partnership between Surrey County Council, The Environment Agency and borough councils, will also aim to increase resilience to climate change and enhance biodiversity.

Jeanne Capey, project director for the scheme, said: "We hope this vision of the future to support reducing flood risk - by creating more biodiversity in the area while also increasing opportunities for more connections both sides of the river via paths, cycle ways and new bridges and enhancing recreation - will leave a legacy for generations to come.'

A petition signed by more than 48,000 people raised concerns about the route of the channel going through Shepperton Open Water Swimming Lake and possible contamination of the water.

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