EXPERTS have warned that a new scheme may be needed to protect the town despite there being no major flood in more than 70 years.

The Environment Agency [EA] believes a new alleviation project in Caversham could be necessary if the banks of the River Thames suddenly burst.

Dr Liz Stephens, an environmental scientist at the University of Reading, believes areas of Caversham have been fortunate to avoid a repeat of the 1947 floods.

She said: "Anything built to alleviate the risk of flooding in Caversham will only be permitted if it is proven not to increase the risk of flooding elsewhere.

"A proactive rather than reactive approach is key when improving resilience to floods.

"We should not just react after a flood hits, but act early on the risk information that hydrological and hydraulic modelling offers.

"This is why we should commend the EA for addressing the risk in Caversham even though we have not seen extreme floods in Reading for 70 years."

Potential ideas have involved building concrete walls and embankments, with the EA launching a consultation in an effort to reduce the risk of future flooding.

However, some residents have voiced concerns that this could only push the problem to other locations, or spoil the view of the area.

Dr Stephens added: "Many people who make use of the river environment on a regular basis will be concerned about potential negative visual impact on the area.

"Having seen the proposals I think they are sensible and sensitive to this. The walls proposed are not between the river and the Thames path, but largely along existing boundaries where walls and fences currently exist."

The EA uses river levels from previous years to calculate the likelihood of flooding occurring in the future.

A spokesman for the EA added: "North Reading and lower Caversham have flooded many times in recent years.

"In 2012 and 2014, homes and businesses in low lying areas of Caversham flooded and in 2003, many houses were surrounded by floodwater and a number of roads were closed to vehicles, some for as long as five days.

"We have identified a number of options all of which need further investigation to decide which, if any, we could take forward."

Visit: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/thames/reading-and-caversham-flood-reduction-options/ to view the plans.