We are writing to voice our concerns with regard to the condition of the section of the River Brain that runs through the River Walk in Witham and to request that urgent remedial action is taken to prevent flooding and potential damage to residential properties.

While the actual River Walk, i.e. the walkway, is maintained to a good standard, this is sadly not the case with regard to the river itself.

The build-up of silt, numerous fallen trees and other debris all combine to hinder the free flow and exacerbate the river breaching its banks.

This has already occurred on several occasions during this autumn and winter season.

The resulting floods have rendered the pathways impossible to access, damaged the surrounding greenspace and posed a threat to the many properties that are adjacent to the river.

The ill-conceived, yet approved, Gimson’s development entails a further construction of 78 seventy-eight homes.

The main access road and numerous smaller roads, along with the houses, will lead to added surface water and further run off into the river, thus leading to higher water levels and the higher risks of flooding.

Properties, previously, deemed by the Environment Agency as not vulnerable to inundation from the river, are becoming increasingly at risk due to the lack of fundamental maintenance of the river itself.

The above-mentioned development has resulted in Braintree District Council receiving considerable financial gain, and as such funding should not be an issue.

We ask that the council use its resources to maintain the river that is the key feature of the river walk, yet also its greatest threat.

In many places there is no depth to the river course, due to the accumulation of silt.

The obvious solution is to dredge the river, as was done in the past on a regular basis.

The neglected trees and bushes that grow alongside and invariably fall into the river blocking its free flow need to be dealt with immediately as they further intensify the problem.

We call upon Braintree District Council and Witham Town Council to work together with the Environment Agency (or whatever Government body is responsible for the upkeep of the river) to return the river to its former glory.

Immediate measures need to be taken to proactively counter the effects of climate change and the negative impact of the new development that Braintree District Council have chosen to approve, despite the volume of protest from Witham residents, which included the very real concerns regarding the increase of flood risk.

We look forward to receiving your response to our letter. Yours faithfully,

Andrew and Doretta Cowie
Maidment Crescent, Witham