Story by Eli Haidari.

Residents are being encouraged to give their feedback on the upcoming River Thames Scheme which has been designed to enhance future flood management.

The River Thames between Egham and Teddington is one of the largest areas of undefended, developed floodplain in England and in the past has been subject to serious floods. In 2014, over 900 homes flooded, with major impacts on families, roads and supply of services.

The scheme, led by Surrey County Council and the Environment Agency, has been designed to reduce future risks of flooding to an area enjoyed by thousands of residents, tourists and businesses every day.

The River Thames Scheme has been split into three sections consisting of flood aviation, community spaces and habitat creation areas to increase biodiversity.

The scheme will see the creation of a new river channel in two sections through Runnymede and Spelthorne, totalling over 5 miles (8.5km) long which is said will act as new flow routes for excess water when water levels in the River Thames rise too high.

A map overview of the scheme (Credit: River Thames Scheme).

Improvements will also be made to the Sunbury, Molesey, and Teddington weirs which will include installing more gates that could be opened when river levels rise.

Alongside the channel there will be opportunities to create recreational spaces for the community which would include new foot and cycle paths, and play and picnic areas. There will also be new ways to access the river and take part in activities such as fishing, canoeing and boating.

The scheme also promises improvements to current and creating new high quality natural habitats to help preserve and encourage wildlife in the area.

Residents have until 20th December to leave their feedback on the site's public consultation which will then be reviewed by the landscape architects, civil engineers, environmental scientists, water modelling experts and others working on the River Thames Scheme.

A second consultation will then be created, scheduled for 2023.

To view the full River Thames Scheme and to provide your feedback, visit the link HERE