OXFORD DESERVES A BETTER FLOOD SCHEME

On November 14th, a Public Inquiry will open to consider the Environment Agency’s current proposal to reduce Oxford’s flood risk, with a huge excavation of pristine water meadows in Oxfords Greenbelt. 

Two voluntary groups: hinkseyandosney.org and oxfordfloodandenvironmentgroup.com have been developing alternatives to the proposal: an innovative pumped pipeline and traditional removal of obstacles. These will be reviewed by the inquiry. 

Each alternative aims to protect agricultural and amenity lifestyles and ecology, while bringing a similar or higher level of protection to Oxford and its neighbouring communities in Vale of White Horse.

We know we have very strong evidence to prove that a non-destructive approach will provide equal or better performance than the proposed plan and for less cost. 

The massive broadening of the stream (which the Environment Agency calls the second stage channel) is the most costly, least effective and most environmentally destructive part of their proposed flood scheme.

Oxford engineers and ecologists have shown that the Environment Agency's excavation would destroy around 4000 trees, plus hedgerows and existing streams, with a knock on effect on the rich variety of flora and fauna in this area. 

The date of 14th November is approaching fast. However, through generous donations via GoFundMe, we have already raised £47,560 of the necessary £75,000 to pay for a lawyer to represent us in court, and for a hydrological survey and report. The hydrological survey is of great importance to our case, since it proves that our "no channel" alternative is superior to the Environment Agency scheme, protecting the ecosystems of the area and preserving access so the public can continue to enjoy this rich habitat.

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