§ Mr. GoodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 17 September 2003,Official Report, columns 776–77W, on flooding, what progress has been made with regard to pre-feasibility studies to identify options for the alleviation of flooding in Medmenham and Marlow. [138467]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 13 November 2003]I understand that the Environment Agency's study of options for reducing flood risk in Medmenham and related areas will be concluded by the end of November. The agency is planning to present the findings to local flood action groups and councils in December and January. I also understand that a report on the agency's study of options for Firview Close, Marlow is expected by the end of November. In both cases the conclusion of studies is a month later than expected previously because the agency's consultants have been looking at further possible options.
I understand that the agency's consultants have completed a pre-feasibility investigation into options for the Pound Lane area, Marlow, and that the indications are that a scheme to construct a bund at the rear of Pound Lane to reduce the impact of overland flooding may be justifiable. Further investigations into groundwater problems would be required at feasibility stage.