The Environment Agency and Slough Borough Council are seeking comment from interested stakeholders on potential options for a proposed £ 3 million flood alleviation scheme in Slough.

Over 2,500 properties are at risk of river and surface water flooding in Slough, with floods experienced as recently as 2009, 2012 and 2014.

The Environment Agency and Slough Borough Council have been investigating whether there are technically and economically viable options for reducing the risk of river and surface water flooding within the catchments of the Chalvey Ditch, Salt Hill Stream and Datchet Common Brook.

They are asking for feedback by 2 October 2015 to help them decide which of the options will be used to develop a business case for the scheme. The business case will test whether any of the proposed options are technically and economically viable.

David Bedlington, Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at the Environment Agency said:

“We have been working hard with Slough Borough Council to identify ways to potentially reduce flood risk. We hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to review these options and provide us with their thoughts and comments.”

Ian Sivyer, Flood Management Team Leader at Slough Borough Council added:

“Slough Borough Council is delighted to be working in partnership with the Environment Agency to help create a scheme that, if implemented, will reduce the risk of flooding across most of Slough. Please do take the time to comment and help to make a difference.”

The options include the creation of flood storage areas and raised flood defences.

Stakeholder feedback will be used to develop the business case for the scheme and, if this is approved, in the detailed design. The detailed design of the scheme would be developed during 2016 with construction potentially beginning in 2017.

As the scheme has not been approved or designed, it is not clear yet how many properties would benefit. However the scheme could significantly reduce flood risk from the Salt Hill Stream and Datchet Common Brook and may improve existing flood protection from the Chalvey Ditch.

If approved, the estimated cost to design and construct the scheme could be over £3 million. However the Environment Agency said this was a provisional figure which will be reassessed as the project develops.

Slough Borough Council, the government and the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee have committed funding to the scheme based on the estimated cost. The Environment Agency and Slough Borough Council will continue to find other sources of partnership funding.

Click here for more information on the upcoming Flood Defence and Prevention Expo and conference in London in October - the UK's biggest dedicated event for the flood defence sector.