The Environment Agency (EA) today carried out a trial deployment of its temporary flood-defence barrier in Abingdon.  Developed in response to three separate floods in January, November and December 2024, the scheme is designed to withstand a one-in-thirty-year flood event. The equipment will be stored locally and can be used to protect up to 30 homes in Chaunterell Way and Nash Drive if flooding occurs this winter.

Today’s exercise allowed the EA field team to practise deployment, check alignment, and time how quickly the barrier can be installed. Three 50-metre sections were taken from crates and assembled on site. Once in place, plastic sheeting and weighted chains were laid over the structure to seal gaps and form a watertight dam.