Oxford Flood Alliance campaigns to reduce flood risk in the Oxford area. The Alliance is a community organisation, run by volunteers from different parts of the area, and was established following the severe floods of 2007.
We have worked collaboratively with the official agencies, establishing good working relationships. The benefits of this approach have become clear to all concerned, which has further increased mutual trust. We were pleased to be described by one of the people we work with as 'a critical friend'.
The agencies have already (November 2011) implemented several schemes to reduce flood risk, with more on the way. Most of these schemes have stemmed from suggestions initiated and promoted by the Alliance, and then developed by one or more agency.
Much remains to be done. Our focus continues to be on moderate schemes, including
both new works and improved maintenance, with clear benefits, and which are likely
to be achievable within current budgets.
This website gives you an idea what has
been achieved so far, and what we hope for next.
Binsey
Wolvercote
Osney Island
Botley Road area
S Oxford /
Hinksey Park
Kennington
South Hinksey
Redbridge
Hinksey and other streams
Disclaimer
All users of this website should note the DISCLAIMER and note on insurance advice
NEW NEWS and HOT TOPICS
15 January 2012
We've just signed a petition opposing the spending of 3 MILLION POUNDS to replace a perfectly good weir at Northmoor Lock, near Appleton. The flood risk reduction capital budget for Oxford is 5000 pounds for the next 5 years.
See the background and sign the petition here http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/northmoorweir/
We've said this:
“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”.To that one might add: especially when it costs £3 million, the country is experiencing economic hard times and there are many things on which (almost!) everybody would agree the money could be better spent. We are not only thinking of flood defences for Oxford, although we sorely need more and there is at present nothing in the capital budget for 2012 onwards.
1. On the so-
- We believe the technical case put forward re health and safety is deeply flawed. There are serious technical objections to its conclusions.
- There has never been an accident.
- Even were the technical a case proven (which it is not) how much should be spent
in such a case? £3 million isn’t too much -
apparently. How about £10 million? £20 million? What does the law require? We don’t believe it’s that stupid.
2. There is no flood risk reduction for anyone (even the EA don’t claim that there is).
3. The present weir works well and is not at the end of its life.
4. It is a beautiful and important part of our river heritage.
It’s ironic that, despite the 'Big Society' agenda, when 'ordinary' people want to be listened to it still feels like banging your head against the proverbial brick wall. We think your idea of 'working more closely with our MP' is an excellent approach. And the PM’s constituency is of course not far away.
This should be winnable because of the facts and the logic of the case. Get the politicians involved, as you intend, and you should succeed.
Good luck in stopping this ill-