On Tuesday 22nd November an HVDIG meeting was held with Bucks CC to look at possible options for flood prevention work in Hughenden Valley. This follows hydrological modelling of the area by Atkins, a leading consultancy in environmental risk management. At the meeting, Alex Back (Strategic Flood Management Officer at Bucks CC) provided us with a presentation of the results of the modelling together with the basis for an action plan. The work undertaken was a feasibility study funded by Defra and which could qualify for further funding to carry out flood alleviation measures.

The presentation showed areas in the valley which are at risk of flooding and the various things that might be implemented to ease the situation. These included new or altered/enlarged culverts and other measures to protect properties.

There followed a lively debate on the modelling and next steps for this project with concern expressed by HVDIG on its legal position being seen as having responsibility in the implementation of anti-flooding measures.

It was agreed that in order for the modelling to be understood better, Bucks CC and Atkins would meet soon with HVDIG. Meanwhile HVDIG would consider further the proposals contained in the presentation and inwardly discuss.   

David Carroll has informed us that the remedial work to the blocked drain in Valley Road near the village hall has been scheduled for Monday 5th December. In September investigations revealed that one of the road drains emptying into the ditch on the west side of Valley Road was penetrated by tree roots and had partially collapsed. 

It is not clear at this point if other drain clearance work is scheduled although we understand from the September work that other needed work had been identified.   

Good News on Valley Road Road Drains!

Thanks to persistent pressure from Debs Lemon, Transport for Bucks arrived in the Valley on Wednesday 7th September to start the investigation and clearance of blocked road drains that have blighted the Village Hall end of the Valley for so long now.

As mentioned in the June blog, the drains have been unable to cope with large downpours for a number of years, resulting in the roads becoming awash and drives on the East side of Valley road being flooded. Previous attempts to get the drainage work done have stalled.

The work this week was aimed at checking out the blocked drains with camera and where possible clearing with high pressure hose. The worst drain, outside Herrisson House, proved to be completely blocked because of collapsed pipes and root ingress under the birch trees on the Village Hall side. The engineers have advised that they are aware of the problems we have been having and that the necesary remedial work will be scheduled.

We also understand from Debs that Coombe Lane also presents issues for the engineers, which they need to resolve. 

Following a relatively short downpour on the afternoon of Thursday 23rd June, Valley Road flooded in the vicinity of the village hall for a short period. This resulted in the road becoming dangerously awash; water cascaded down onto and along the pavements and inevitably down a number of residents’ drives.

Debs Lemon reported this to the Strategic Flood Management Team, the result of which is that we understand Transport for Bucks will be conducting a drainage investigation at the end of July.

You can see video footage of the event on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/oBLJCc_XeXQ

The following mail has been received from Thames Water which confirms the publication of the TW Drainage Report for Hughenden Valley. This is an important document regarding dealing with Hughenden Valley’s future flood risks; it results from much work carried out by Thames Water with considerable input from HVDIG.

The strategy document is available to download on the Documents page.

Dear Mr White

Further to my email dated 18 December 2015, I would like to update you, with the latest developments of the Little Marlow (Hughenden Valley) Drainage Strategy.

As you know, we’ve now published on our website www.thameswater.co.uk our Stage 1 Drainage Report. Since that time Gareth Evans has presented you with our revised version following the HVDIG consultation, and I believe you were pleased with the updates, and happy with the final version.

Following the HVDIG meeting in March 2016, Gareth has carried out site visits with you and other members of the HVDIG. This has proven very useful in helping us to focus on the planned surveys going forward. You may be aware, that information from the sewer flooding questionnaires is crucial and allows us to capture information about the extent, nature and frequency of flooding in the area. This continues to help us understand the flooding mechanisms, and prioritise investment in the future alongside other equally important areas across our region.

I confirm, other surveys are planned in the area and we are also going through historic data to obtain the best information.

We will regularly consult with customers, and stakeholders, to update and republish our catchment drainage strategies as they develop throughout the 4-stage framework process

I’ll continue to update you on a 6 monthly basis, and will contact you again on 19 December 2016, with our progress. In the meantime, if I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me on 0800 009 3666 from 9:30am – 2:30pm, Monday to Friday.

We’d love to hear about your experience, please click here to tell us what we are doing well or what we can do better.

Yours sincerely

Sarah Sanders

Senior Case Manager – Executive Office

Angus Idle has made us aware of an exciting day planned by the Revive the Wye Partnership. The Partnership is running an informative event at the Trinity United Reform Church, London Road, High Wycombe on Saturday 14th May 2016 from 10am to 2pm.

For those with an interest in the River Wye, why not go along to learn more about the Wye and see how you can help its future enhancement, while having fun and becoming a Friend of the Wye.

For more information go to:
http://www.revivethewye.org.uk/support-us/friends-of-the-wye. 

This meeting on 8th March in the HV Cabin was held with Gareth Evans of eight2o, who are consultants to Thames Water. Gareth has responsibility for developing a hydrology model for Hughenden Valley to aid refinement of the Thames Water Drainage Strategy document, to which HVDIG has already provided information. It is hoped that suggestions/options for improvements can be built into the plan and used as  a basis for spending on the valley infrastructure if and when budgets allow.

This meeting gave the opportunity for Gareth to meet with the residents and obtain details from us of the local geology and our experiences during the flooding events of recent years. Gareth is allocated to us for a period of two years and expects to visit HVDIG on a quarterly basis. Since the meeting Gareth has returned to do a walk of the winterbourne section of the stream with members of the DIG.   

This meeting was originally planned for 10th March, but was postponed to 23rd March in the Cabin. Rob Millington from Atkins provided us with the results from the modelling work they have carried out on the surface water flows through Hughenden Valley.

Rob presented a series of charts detailing predicted flows, groundwater emrgence points and possible effects from carrying out work such as enlarged pipeage in Boss Lane and water runoff storage in fields above the village. Whilst work on the modelling continues, the charts clearly demonstrated the flooding risk areas in the village.

By the end of April Rob is due to complete a report to Bucks CC which will contain options for providing flood relief. Such options may include things like field barriers for water storage, curb raising, increasing culvert sizes etc and which could be built into a detailed plan for possible DEFRA funding. A further meeting is expected  to be held between Bucks CC and HVDIG at a later point to review progress. 

The meeting on the Drainage Strategy (see previous post) has been confirmed with Thames Water for Tuesday 8th March at 7pm in the Cabin (HV Coffee shop). Thames Water are represented by  Gareth Evans of Eight2o. Please ensure you have confirmed with Sarah Mustapha if attending as space is restricted.

This meeting is to discuss the results of modelling work on groundwater and surface water conditions in Hughenden Valley with Bucks County Council in relation to the Bucks CC/DEFRA project. It has now been confirmed for Thursday 10^th March at 7pm at The Cabin (HV Coffee Shop). Please ensure you have confirmed attendance with Sarah Mustapha as space is restricted.