Roadshows on flood defence plans

Roadshows on plans to build three more flood relief channels near the Thames are being held for people in Surrey who did not receive flyers.

Consultation on the flood defence plans began in September, but many households did not get their Environment Agency leaflets, Spelthorne council said.

The Environment Agency said letters were issued by hand inviting residents to two further public exhibitions.

Spelthorne council said the plans could protect 4,500 homes in the Thames area.

Letter drop

The Environment Agency said it had held seven public exhibitions, attended by more than a thousand people in the Lower Thames area.

"However, we have been made aware by a number of residents that they did not receive our original invitation," a statement added.

"We greatly value the comments from local residents and interested parties so further exhibitions have been set up and letters issued by hand."

The statement added: "The number of residents who called regarding the letters prompted us to requisition an extensive letter drop from Shepperton to Twickenham.

"However, we wish to point out that adverts were placed in all the local papers originally and the events were advertised in local libraries and local authority websites."

Relief channels

Councillor Vivienne Leighton said she had asked if an additional roadshow could be held in Shepperton after hearing that households had not received flyers.

She said: "This area would be a major beneficiary of the scheme and I urge residents in the borough to take this valuable opportunity to discuss the proposals and their impact."

The proposals for the Lower Thames area include three new flood relief channels between Datchet and Shepperton.

Sunbury Weir would be improved, and the Desborough Channel would also be widened.

An additional roadshow is being held on Thursday at Charlton Village Hall.

A further exhibition will be held in West Molesey on 30 November, at Mole Hall in Bishop Fox Way.