The River, Present and Future Challenges

A talk by Roger Weston on November 12 at Chiswick Pier House

Related Links

Other events in Chiswick

Participate

For further details on events at the Pier and how to get there, contact the Chiswick Pier Trust 020 8742 2713 or log on at www.chiswickpier.org.uk

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Comment on this story on the


The Thames has been fundamental to London’s development and prosperity over centuries.

While it may seem that London’s prosperity now depends mostly on financial services, the river remains a key component in the city's growth. It’s London’s largest open space providing views and vistas, and walks and exercise. It’s a sport and recreational resource of national importance; it’s a transport facility, and a setting for ongoing development.

In the medium to long term, climate change and rising sea levels are increasing the risk of flooding. So the issues of flood risk management need analysis and planning.

More immediately, sewer overflows in residential areas, and sewage discharge into the river, demand urgent action. We need to renew and augment our inadequate sewers and build new additional infrastructure.

But behind all that are the issues of whether we take too much water out of the river, and do we allow pollution to get into it? Could we make better use of the river for transport?

Roger Weston, until recently chair of the Thames Strategy – Kew to Chelsea, a 100 year plan for the river, will set out the challenges to us and our children for this most valuable resource.

The Chiswick Pier Trust are hosting the talk, at 7.30pm on Thursday November 12 at the Pier House, Corney Reach, W4. Doors open at 7pm and the event will start at 7.30pm. Free to Chiswick Pier Trust Members (membership £5), £3 to non-members.

Chiswick Pier and Chiswick Pier House are at the end of Corney Road and Edensor Road, Chiswick, W4 2UG. Chiswick Pier Trust is a charity that puts people in touch with the River Thames.

For further details on events at the Pier and how to get there, contact the Chiswick Pier Trust 020 8742 2713 or log on at www.chiswickpier.org.uk


November 4, 2009