We asked, you said, we did

We asked

We asked for your views on our proposed Friary Park Flood Alleviation Scheme.

The scheme proposes to:

• construct a wetland / flood storage basin in the upper section of the Blackett’s Brook in the north-western corner of the park.
• carry out river restoration works including removal of artificial banks, constructing two stage channel (river widening) and a series of small ponds, and introducing leaky woody dams (natural barriers) to hold back flow along the middle reach of Blackett's Brook as it further flows down the park.

You said

We received 20 responses to our online questionnaire. Below is a summary of the results:

• overall, 94.74 of respondents supported the proposed Friary Park Alleviation Scheme
• 78.95% of respondents strongly agreed that the scheme would deliver flood risk benefits / reduce flood risk to properties and infrastructure.
• 89.47%% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that the scheme would improve water quality.
• 84.21% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that the scheme would deliver benefits beyond flood risk (social, environmental, amenity benefits)
• 100% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that the scheme would improve habitats and local wildlife
• 68.43% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that the scheme would increase awareness and involvement from local communities
• 75% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that the scheme would encourage people to spend more time in the park

Concerns were raised in the comments section over the potential removal of trees and shrubberies around the scheme.

Alongside the online questionnaire, the council in partnership with Thames21, organised two events:

• an online meeting on 9 October 2023
• a consultation event in Friary Park on 21 October 2023. Approximately 62 people attended the consultation event in Friary Park, with 27 completing a feedback form.

Feedback at the events was positive, with 23 of the survey respondents choosing, ‘I love them!’, in response to the question: “What are your first impressions of the proposal?”

We did

We have considered all the feedback received and final designs are now being developed ahead of progressing with a tender process for construction. The scheme is expected to go out to tender in spring / summer 2024.

The concerns raised about the potential removal of trees have been passed on to the council’s tree officers who oversee this area.