Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Operations Manager in respect of desilting at Bridge Street, Witney.

The Committee received and considered the report from the Operations Manager.

Members were informed that this item had been agreed by the Council in 2024 as part of a broader report on riparian watercourse works for which it held responsibility in Witney. Although the area in question fell outside the Council’s formal remit, it was agreed that the Council should set a positive example in riparian management by carrying out desilting work near the bridge, in the interest of the wider community.

Persistent high-water levels throughout 2024 had delayed the project, and the method of desilting now proposed differed from the original plan. Further information was still required, but current thinking suggested the revised approach would involve a road closure and incur higher costs than initially anticipated.

The Committee welcomed the renewed momentum behind the project and remained fully supportive of the scheme. It was agreed that all opportunities to secure funding for both the project itself and the potential road closure should be thoroughly explored by officers.

Resolved:

1.      That, the report be noted and;

2.      That, further information is sought on costs and presented to the next meeting of the Committee and;

3.      That, the budget be increased to a maximum of £15,000 if required but;

4.      That, funding opportunities be sought for the project and possible road closure from other sources wherever possible.