Stream cleared to cut flood risk

An Oxfordshire stream is being cleared of sediment to reduce its flood risk.

The Shill Brook has got a build up of silt, or fine sand, deposits which can clog the river making flooding the nearby village of Bampton more likely.

The silt can also suffocate fish such as the Brown Trout and the Bullhead which live in the waterway.

The work, which includes clearing the stream of other debris such as trees, branches and leaves is being carried out by the Environment Agency.

Mathew Green, a specialist in river maintenance for the Environment Agency said: "The Shill Brook had become badly silted which meant that the brook could not run in its full capacity.

"We agreed on the best way to reduce flood risk in the village whilst ensuring the natural environment is protected and also giving the local community the opportunity to enjoy the flourishing biodiversity."

West Oxfordshire District Council said it was "delighted" that the work was being carried out as it was one of the priorities of the Bampton Flood Action Plan, which was drawn up after the floods in the area last year.