Our rivers and chalk streams are a hugely important characteristic of our green and blue spaces. However, I have been concerned about the repeated flooding in Long Marston. Flooding has a devastating effect on our communities and I am committed to improving our infrastructure so that it can be a problem of the past in my constituency.
I am pleased to have had many productive meetings with Thames Water and local organisations regarding sewage discharge into the River Chess and the organisation of waterways to tackle the causes of flooding. This has contributed to improvements in the de-silting of pipes around areas such as Long Marston, and essential upgrades to the Chesham Sewage Works in order to reduce sewage pollution drastically.
Since upgrades, the Environment Agency have not reported any further issues at Long Marston. Despite heavy rainfall in February 2022, data shows that new water pumps have been working well and are draining effectively.
I will continue to liaise with Thames Water to protect residents from the fear of flooding in their local area.