After the wettest September on record for Buckinghamshire, the heavy rainfall meant the River Ouse burst its banks again.
With more than three times the average monthly rain in September and October, the river flooding became a severe risk for residents and businesses.
Areas such as Mitre Street, Wells Street, Meadway, Chandos and Bourton park were all affected, with both the tennis courts and football fields registering unplayable.
In many cases industrial pumps were used to clear the excess water. The Town Council had earlier delivered sand bags and water gates to properties at risk, but many residents feel this has done little to solve the problem.
As the town population increases and new estates are built, concreted areas cause rainfall to run down into the river and surrounding green land where it cannot be absorbed quickly enough. This also puts more pressure on the drainage and sewer systems that are currently in place.
The Motor Spa owner Jake Lynch said: “We had to hire pumps and everything like that to move the water and get rid of it, and in doing so, that cost us money and lost us a day and a half worth’s work.
“It’s always a concern when we come in in the morning and sweep our way to the front door rather than just walk in and do everything as normal.”
Across the county, there are over 3,000 homes at risk of river flooding and over 18,000 homes are at risk simply due to this surface water.
In a recent Town Council meeting the issue of flooding was raised again, but for the time being they have no power to implement any change without the County Council’s involvement.
