Council thankful for support over 'distressing' week of flooding

The tireless work of emergency services, flood wardens and communities across the borough has been praised by the council in the aftermath of severe flooding.

Flood-prone neighbourhoods in the borough have witnessed their worst flooding in a decade over the past week – resulting in evacuations in Wraysbury and the closure of submerged roads across the borough.

Windsor and Maidenhead council has announced Sutton Road has now been re-opened, restoring a key access route into Cookham.

Cookham Causeway, which has been used as a temporary access route into the village for vehicles, has now been closed.

The council said that with floodwater continuing to recede, flooded roads across the borough are being inspected, cleaned, gritted and re-opened.

Stephen Evans, the council’s chief executive, said: “This has been a very distressing situation for everyone who has been impacted.

Although the flood waters are receding, the situation is not over and there will continue to be disruption to those areas which are acutely affected.

As we move from emergency response to recovery, I want to express my immense gratitude to all organisations and individuals who have worked so well together and acted quickly to support our communities and vulnerable people.

“These include police and fire services, council colleagues and contractors, parish councils, the Environment Agency, Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue, flood wardens, other volunteers, as well as the private, voluntary and independent sectors, who have all played a critical part to safeguard lives and keep residents safe.”

The council said it is assessing the condition of its parks, open spaces and car parks which were closed earlier this week due to flooding.

Following inspection, Ray Mill Island and the Guards Club are now open.

Bin crews are continuing their collections on scheduled days across the borough and residents should leave their bins out as normal, the council added.

Tim Readings, group manager at the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said crews had visited more than 90 properties in Wraysbury over the past week to check on the welfare of residents.

He added: “We really appreciate the support and patience of everybody that has been impacted by the floods. Flooding has a serious and devastating impact on our communities as seen over the last week.”