Rachael Collins - 14-Jan-2008
- In response to recent rainfall and increasing
river flows on the River Thames the Environment
Agency has operated the Maidenhead, Windsor
and Eton Flood Alleviation scheme, which
includes the Jubilee River.
Flood risk manager,
Barry Russell said: “The rainfall over the
past few days has resulted in very high
levels in the River Thames. In order to
protect the Windsor, Eton and Maidenhead
area from flooding from the Thames we have
put the Maidenhead, Windsor and Eton Flood
Alleviation scheme into operation. We expect
to continue operating the scheme over the
next few days.”
The scheme was also
used during the recent July 2007 flood to
protect the area from flooding.
There are currently
21 Flood Watches in force across the Thames
Region. For further details please see www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/flood/floodwarning/.
Members of the public
should call Floodline on 0845 9881188 for
the latest flooding information.
By selecting option
one and entering the Quickdial code 011126
they can also receive up to date information
on the operation of the Jubilee River.
There are several steps
that people can take to protect themselves
or reduce the impact of flooding. This advice
could apply to people who are flooded from
any source. Phone Floodline on 08549 881188
or visit our website www.environment-agency.gov.uk.
They may be able to
register with our Floodline Warnings Direct
Service to receive flood warnings when flooding
is likely.
The latest weather forecasts
are available from www.metoffice.gov.uk
+ More
New environment head
for Yorkshire and the North East
Alexandra Wales - 11-Jan-2008
- Toby Willison has been appointed as the
Environment Agency’s new regional director
for Yorkshire and the North East.
Toby began his Environment
Agency career in 2002 and until taking up
his new role, was an area manager in the
midlands region. His previous roles for
the Environment Agency include a stint at
head office as the head of land quality.
Prior to joining the
Environment Agency he worked for the Scottish
Executive as a scientific advisor on land
use and the environment, becoming head of
water quality policy. Before that, he was
involved in environmental research in both
the public and private sector.
During his post-doctoral
studies, Toby undertook research into land
use and climate change and was involved
in publishing early estimates of UK greenhouse
gas targets.
Toby said: “I am joining
a fantastic team and whilst we must ensure
that we focus on running the north east
area in a business-like way, we must not
lose sight of the fact that our purpose
is to improve the environment and protect
people from flooding.
“In particular, I want
to push forward the recommendations of our
recent report into last year’s devastating
floods which affected the region so badly.
I am also looking forward to working closely
with communities and our partners to tackle
the impact of climate change and the other
environmental challenges that we face,”
he added.
Toby is taking over
from previous north east regional director,
Andrew Wood, who has been seconded to work
on a national project.
The Environment Agency’s
north east region stretches from the tip
of Derbyshire, right up to the Scottish
border and covers large industrial areas
such as Leeds, Sheffield and Tyne &
Wear as well as rural areas and national
parks.
The regional director
is responsible for around 1,000 staff working
across the region on issues such as flood
risk management, environmental management
and enforcement, fisheries and biodiversity
issues and land use policy.
Notes to editors
The Environment Agency
is the leading public body for protecting
and improving the environment in England
and Wales. It's our job to make sure that
air, land and water are looked after by
everyone in today's society, so that tomorrow's
generations inherit a cleaner, healthier
world.
