The Myrke embankment in Datchet has never been right – and the EA is about to spend more money on this never-ending problem. Can they get it right this time? I am not confident.
The Myrke embankment was constructed to contain and convey flood water at a level above the adjacent land while protecting the nearby houses. Colin Martin’s evidence at the 1992 Planning Inquiry stated that the embankment would increase the level of protection to 195 additional properties in Datchet. You can read the relevant page below
The embankment did not work properly because both the embankment and the underlying gravel were permeable. As the flood water rose, it just came up through the drains.
The Myrke embankment in Datchet was originally constructed from ‘as-dug’ material around the turn of the century (1995-2002). The embankment was on the brink of failure in 2002/03. On first use of the Jubilee River at only 2/3rds capacity the embankment suffered severe water penetration and scouring. It is fair to say that the new embankment was on the verge of collapse.
You can see below how the embankment looked in 2004 – after the first flood event – and before the reconstruction. You can also see the excavators working on the far end.
The urgent remedial works in 2004 (£1.3m) are a matter of record (please see the notice below)
Big equipment (long reach excavator) required here!
The image below shows the embankment towards the end of the 2004 reconstruction works.
Below – records the geo-textile reinforcement exposed and awaiting covering.
Below is the embankment in December 2004 after the application of 4,000 sq. m of specially grown turf. Looks good!
Below: July 2005 – and the embankment looked like this. The specially grown turf died
Below: The fact is that the embankment has degraded steadily over time with the geo-textile reinforcement increasingly exposed and breaking down.
Here we are in 2025 – and the Myrke embankment needs fixing yet again!
CONCLUSION: Sub-standard embankment design and construction, £1.3m repair costs, a £2.75m out-of-court settlement, and still the embankment steadily degrades.
THE QUESTIONS: Can the EA get it right this time, who pays and how much?
ANSWER: We will just have to wait and see.
END