For several years I have pursued the authorities to do more to prevent and tackle flooding in our area. Local volunteers and some Councillors have also been active in seeking better response from the Environment Agency, the Water companies, Network Rail and the other main bodies involved in flood issue.
The recent row over the failure of the Environment Agency to dredge rivers and scour canals and ditches in the Somerset levels has revealed to wider public view that body of opinion in the Agency who oppose keeping river courses and other conduits clear. I have always encountered resistance to dredging or cleaning the Loddon, though it appears that the build of debris and silt particularly under and near Loddon Bridge is a contributory factor in the regular flooding of the A329 main Reading road , the cinema and related facilities.
In view of the new Prime Ministerial and Environment Secretary instructions to the Agency to do more to clear rivers and watercourses so they have the capacity to remove surplus water, I am writing again to the Agency concerning the Loddon.