Water Meadow could save flooding (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Water Meadow could save flooding

RADICAL plans to save Cirencester from flooding could see the return of the water meadows to areas outside the town.

The proposals were put forward at a recent meeting held by the Environment Agency last month and are being considered as a viable option to stop areas of the town being submerged by flood waters.

Fields north of Barton Mill and Thomas Street were once used as flood plains during the winter months and many of the original flood gates are still in tact.

County councillor Roger Brown explained the area could be used as temporary flood storage once again.

He said: "There are areas above Cirencester which could be used for short-term flood storage and that would help some of the problem.

"One of the things which could be considered would be initiating water meadows along the Churn."

Cllr Brown added that the water meadows could provide a new haven for wildlife as well as providing a solution to the flood problem.

He said: "At the meeting the RSPB were very keen on this. Instead of building big flood defences it could enhance the wildlife and provide riveside walks.

"Bourton-on-the-Water might be known as the Venice of the Cotswolds at the moment but this could turn Cirencester into it by making the River Churn attractive.

"Flood defences have a poor reputation of putting up walls and not looking very nice but a water meadow could enhance biodiversity and encourage visitors as well as reducing the flood risk."

Cllr Brown also said another part of Cirencester's historic architecture could be brought back into use to help channel flood water away from the town.

He said: "There is a secret tunnel. When the canal was in Cirencester it went to Love Lane, the water was taken from the Churn. The tunnel which took the water to the canal runs underneath Cecily Hill.

"It starts near Barton Mill, goes under the hill near the Bathurst Estate and comes out where Waitrose is. There was talk of looking into how the tunnel could be used again."

Do you remember the water meadows or the secret tunnel, if you have any memories of either of these landmarks of Cirencester's past contact Standard reporter Jenni Silver on 01285 642642 or email jenni@wiltsglosstandard.co.uk