New climate report warns of London flooding risk
Research by climate change scientists has suggested that the chances of London flooding are higher than forecast.
London population growth will put pressure on resources
The population of London and the South-East is set to grow 23% by 2035 putting a huge strain on water supplies during a drought.
Advice for drivers in the snow
Drivers are advised to avoid the roads in snowy weather, but here is some advice from the AA on journeys that are unavoidable.
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London needs to build up flood defences
David Vaughan of the British Antarctic Survey says the new research on flooding means planners will be able to make preparations to protect London.
New climate report warns of London flooding risk
Research by climate change scientists has suggested that the chances of London flooding are higher than forecast.
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Sports club angry over flooding
The Seven Acres Sports Club in Abbey Wood is claiming that tunnelling work at the nearby Crossrail site is causing their pitches to flood. The problem has been going on for months. Nick Thatcher reports.
Crossrail waiting for flooding report
Crossrail has said it is waiting for a report from an independent specialist into why the pitches at an Abbey Wood sports club have become waterlogged.
– Crossrail"We have commissioned a report from an independent specialist into the cause of the flooding and the initial findings are due shortly. To help the club we have been pumping water off the pitches and once we have the findings of the report we will consider what further action can be taken.”
Thames Water: Abbey Wood sewers are not to blame
Thames Water has said the water that has flooded sports pitches in Abbey Wood has not come from their sewers. The pitches' owner has blamed nearby work on the Crossrail link for causing the flooding.
– Thames Water"We have been monitoring our sewers in the area and they are working as they should. Tests carried out on the floodwater in October suggest that this is groundwater that has not been able to drain away."
Crossrail blamed for flooded sports pitches
A sports club in South East London has said its flooded sports pitches have been caused by nearby works on the Crossrail link. Martin Masher, who owns the Seven Acre Sports Club, filmed this video of the waterlogged pitches.
He says the problem started seven months ago and he has been unable to get Crossrail to take action. The club has been unable to play any matches this season.
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London population growth will put pressure on resources
by Martin Stew
The population of London and the South-East is set to grow 23% by 2035 putting a huge strain on water supplies during a drought.
Read the full storyHomes need to be prepared and adapted
Environment Agency chairman Lord Smith said:
"The extremes of weather that we saw last year highlight the urgent need to plan for a changing climate.
In 2012 we saw environmental damage caused by rivers with significantly reduced flows, hosepipe bans affecting millions and farmers and businesses left unable to take water from rivers.
But we also saw the wettest year on record in England, with around 8,000 homes flooded. Interestingly 2007 - which also saw some of the most severe flooding in recent memory - also started the year with hosepipe bans.
More of this extreme weather will exacerbate many of problems that we already deal with including flooding and water scarcity, so taking action today to prepare and adapt homes, businesses, agricultural practices and infrastructure is vital."
Advice for drivers in the snow
Drivers are advised to avoid the roads in snowy weather, but here is some advice from the AA on journeys that are unavoidable.
Read the full storyFlood warning update
The Environment Agency has reduced the number of flood warnings for the South East from ten to six. There is one in place in Berkshire, one in Wiltshire and four for the East and West Sussex area. In addition, there are 91 flood alerts in place across the region.