Flood strategy dispute prompts resignation
A COUNCILLOR has resigned his post as Vice Chairman over a dispute about the response to a flood strategy which he fears will destroy parts of the local landscape.
Phil Jackson has resigned as Vice Chairman of Wraysbury Parish Council after disagreeing with the council's response to the Lower Thames Flood Strategy.
In his resignation letter to chairman Andrew Davies, he said: "While I strongly support the construction of a flood relief channel through Wraysbury, I take issue with parts of the Environment Agency's strategy and several details of the proposed design, especially between Wraysbury Station and Staines Road, where the channel passes through a very sensitive nature reserve which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and has 'Ramsar' protection."
He feared the proposal to build a bund through Tithe Lane Lake, an important wildlife habitat, would destroy the open vista of the lake and cause disturbance as connecting two large islands to the shore would allow human access.
He also disagreed with the plan to route the channel through the boat park and clubhouse of the Silver Wing Sailing Club.
His suggestion was to route the flood water through Tithe Lane Lake, Old School Lake, and Silver Wing Lake as it would require minimal excavation and disturbance and two new large islands could be created as undisturbed habitats.
Referring to the council response to the the Environment Agency's proposals, his letter said: "My resignation as Vice Chairman was prompted by your refusal to include any reference to the option of routing the channel through the lakes, or any words of support for the Sailing Club, into the Parish Council's submission.
"I will remain a councillor, assuming the familiar role of "opinionated back bencher", as I wish my views to be heard. Free from the restraints which come with the role of Vice Chairman, I will express myself freely, and will criticise the Council and its Chairman when I feel that it is necessary."
For more see this week's Royal Borough Observer.