Flood risk could be avoided with new River Thames Scheme
The scheme will be rolled out across Oxfordshire and other counties the River Thames crosses
A project to reduce the risk of flooding along the River Thames is underway.
A public consultation to hear from residents concerned by the scheme is due to end on March 6, before works begin.
The River Thames Scheme has for objective to protect businesses, houses and biodiversity located along the river from flooding, through the counties the river crosses, by creating a new river channel.
"...creating a new river channel in two sections so essentially it's a conveyance scheme where the water will be diverted away from the floodplains..."
Project director at the River Thames Scheme, Jeanne Capey, said: "It's a landscape-based approach to resolving existing issues."
"We will be creating a new river channel in two sections so essentially it's a conveyance scheme where the water will be diverted away from the floodplains where it's really built-up, and to avoid flooding to homes."
"At its core it's a flood deviation scheme which can reduce the risk of flooding to thousands of properties, businesses and infrastructure."
"...sustainable travel routes, so we're talking about walking and cycling alongside the channel, enhancing what we've got..."
The main aim is to significantly reduce the risk of flooding, enhanced by extreme weather events, however the Scheme promises added benefits to both people and the environment.
Ms Capey said: "It's about a way to unlocking environmental benefits and a way to creating more sustainable travel options for people who live and work in these areas."
"Let's not forget the other enormous benefit that's been brought in by the Scheme which is around the sustainable travel routes, so we're talking about walking and cycling alongside the channel, enhancing what we've got and creating new areas as well."
If you would like to find out more information, you can visit the Scheme's website.