Haydon Wick has been identified as being at high risk from flash flooding after it experienced major flooding in the summer of 2007. This affected over 50 properties, roads and an electric sub-station.

The joint scheme, led by the Environment Agency with support from Swindon Borough Council and Thames Water, aims to reduce the risk of flooding from the Haydon Wick Brook. The scheme will protect 118 residential properties, local roads and an electric sub-station up to a one per cent (1 in a 100 year) risk of flooding in any given year with an allowance for climate change.

At the beginning of the year Environment Agency teams carried out five weeks of important vegetation and shrub clearance to avoid bird nesting season, this early preparation will mean work can start early next year.  The site is now ready for construction and the Environment Agency aim to start the 10 month build in early April.

David McKnight, a flood specialist at the Environment Agency, said: “We are extremely pleased for the community of Haydon Wick that we are able to progress with this important scheme which will benefit nearly 120 homes and vital infrastructure in the Swindon area.

“Being flooded is devastating, and although there is much work still to be done these plans will make a real difference to residents in the Haydon Wick area. We will be working with Swindon Borough Council and others to ensure local people are kept informed of the scheme, which is due to take place over the next few months.

“Nationally, one in six properties in England and Wales are at risk of flooding and the Environment Agency works to protect people and property from flooding from rivers. To find out if you are at risk and get early warnings, go to our website or call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.”

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