Work to reinforce the bank of the River Windrush near Standlake in Oxfordshire is now complete.

A routine inspection by the Environment Agency (EA) of an embankment near the River and Newbridge Cut revealed the site was at high risk of failing during high flow conditions.

A total of 110 tonnes of rock armour has been placed along the left bank of the River to further protect and reduce the rate of erosion. In addition, re-aligning work was carried out at the Newbridge Cut.

-- Advertisement --

The work is part of a programme of maintenance works in the Thames Valley to ensure that rivers and assets remain in good condition over the coming winter months.

Gareth Simpson, Flood and Coastal Risk Management Officer from the Asset Performance Team said: "The embankment was particularly narrow at this point which left it vulnerable in flood conditions. By re-aligning the Newbridge Cut away from the River Windrush and reinforcing the bank of the Windrush, we have significantly reduced the risk of floodwater breaching the embankment and flowing to nearby properties.

Erosion is an ongoing process so the situation would only have worsened. Our team worked quickly to re-align the Newbridge Cut and reinforce the riverbank. We recycled the spoil created by excavating the new alignment by using it to widen the existing bank."

(LM/MH)