Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Member of Parliament for the North Cotswolds, chaired his twice yearly public Flood Resilience and River Pollution meetings in Moreton-in-Marsh on 6th December 2024. 

Representatives from Gloucestershire County Council, Cotswold District Council, local Parish Councils, Thames Water, Severn Trent, and the Environment Agency attended.

Individual questions were raised and recent flooding events were shared. Thames Water addressed concerns raised about the increased lead levels in a number of properties in Bourton-on-the-Water and the programme of works to replace the affected pipes. Residents from Moreton-in-Marsh and Bledington shared recent experiences, and support and actions that would be needed in the future.

Speaking at the meeting, Sir Geoffrey said:

“It’s great to see so many people here. Thank you to all of the agencies and councillors that gave their time to attend the meeting, addressing individual concerns. These meetings produce tangible results such as the large relief pipe installed in Moreton some years ago."

Sir Geoffrey also commented on the frequency and effectiveness of the meetings:

“I really hope as a result of the really shocking slides of the flooding in Bledington that all the agencies will now cooperate to the maximum so that the identified flood alleviation structure will be installed next year to provide reassurances to worried residents. We will continue to hold these meetings every six months, as requested by local residents. To have all of these representatives come together continues to be effective and those that need to take action can commit to doing so.”

Residents of the North Cotswolds Constituency are encouraged to contact Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown’s office if they would like the time and date of the next meetings. The minutes from both meetings will be publicly available shortly. They are also encouraged to make contact if they would like his office to raise individual concerns on their behalf.