From a Government Press release – New local powers to keep pavements clear for those who rely on them most. Local councils will be given the power to crack down on problem…
Black Potts footbridge continues to subside
Black Potts timber footbridge over the Jubilee River was closed in mid-2025 due to structural issues (i.e. rotten). This bridge is a safety hazard and the footpath is closed. Ashford Lane footbridge…
20th Anniversary – QM Reservoir Pipe Burst – could have been worse!
This year is the 20th Anniversary of the Queen Mother Reservoir pipe burst. In April 2006, failure of a large diameter underground water pipe caused serious damage and property flooding in Datchet. The…
Lack of urban watercourse maintenance.
Failure to maintain urban land drainage infrastructure exacerbates flooding. Here is the important message extracted from the Environment Agency document – Your watercourse: Rights and Roles (complete document available here) Urban watercourses: additional…
Crans-Montana fire – another Grenfell?
Hardly into the 2026 New Year and here we go again. Yet another building constructed with limited means of escape, loaded with flammable materials and packed with people. Have we all forgotten…
A conversation with Claude on the future of AI
My conversation on AI development and regulation with Claude led to the following response CLAUDE: This is quite different from your earlier suggestion about AI as a benevolent guide. What you’re describing…
RTS project governance issues?
Below is an email from the Thames Area Customers and Engagement Team in response to a question from Ian S about River Thames Scheme costs and timescales. Our ref: EIR2025/31768 Dear Mr…
Some suggested items for DPC Meeting 12-1-2026
The following are some possible items for Datchet Parish Council Meeting Agenda 12-1-2026. Football Club: The parties to negotiate, agree and sign a lease before July 2026. Parish Office: The parties to…
RBWM Expression of Interest in the Mayoral Strategic Authority
This post relates to the Expression of Interest (EoI) by RBWM in a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA). I refer to some relevant sections of the 17/12/2025 RBWM Extraordinary Council Meeting YouTube video. …
Background to the Jubilee Flood Relief Channel
This is the Environment Agency’s ‘Background to the Jubilee Flood Relief Channel’ (previously called The Jubilee River) that you will find here Just ask yourself – why did the Environment Agency change…