Prior to the annual flood meeting chaired by Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, in Moreton-in-Marsh on 17 November, the MP was accompanied by County Cllr Nigel Moor, District Cllr Sue Coakley and District Cllr Ally Coggins to visit the site of the newly constructed inlet of the flood alleviation pipe near the town.

Tribute was paid to Laurence King - Cotswold District Council Principal Engineer - when he announced that the scheme was complete. This is a massive scheme involving a 1.2 metre pipe which will take flood water from the north of Moreton-in-Marsh under the A429 all the way down to the River Evenlode.

This pipe will considerably reduce the risk of flooding in the town, particularly the North Cotswolds Hospital, GP surgery and residential areas in the south of Moreton. Although the final cost is not yet known it is likely to be well in excess of £600,000.

All other flooding matters in Moreton-in-Marsh have made considerable progress, largely because the agencies - District Council, County Council, Thames Water and Environment Agency - have all been working closer together. At the end of the meeting, Mr Clifton-Brown praised all the officials and declared that these annual flood meetings had achieved their purpose - particularly as they have been instrumental in achieving the large relief scheme which should leave Moreton more resilient in the face of future flooding. As this was the case, there is no need for a future annual meeting.

Photo: L-R Cllr Ally Coggins, GC-B, Cllr Sue Coakley, Cllr Nigel Moor