The River Thames Scheme is officially launching a statutory consultation today.
A 6-week consultation ends at 11:59pm on Monday 4 March.
The project aims to prevent the flooding of thousands of homes and businesses along the River Thames which in Surrey runs through one of the biggest areas of undefended, developed flood plain in England. The area has suffered significant flooding in recent years and due to climate change this risk is growing.
It will involve a new flood channel in two sections, through the boroughs of Runnymede and Spelthorne. There will also be increases in capacity at three weirs and downstream of the Desborough Cut.
The channels will carry excess rainfall and prevent the Thames from bursting its banks and flooding communities. More than 11,000 homes and businesses in Surrey and London as well as roads, railways, drinking water networks and electricity supplies will be protected from flooding.
Planners are confident the scheme will also bring environmental, social, health and economic benefits and want to hear the views of as many people who are interested in the scheme as possible.
There will be in person and virtual events across the scheme area where residents and businesses can find out more, including the following in Elmbridge:
- Molesey, Vine Hall, Vine Road, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9LF on Sunday, 4 February, 10am to 4pm
- Walton on Thames, Cecil Hepworth, Playhouse, Walton-on-Thames KT12 1AU on Monday, 5 February, 1pm to 7pm
There are also virtural events that you can register for. For full details see the River Thames Scheme.