Flood Action 4 Buckingham (FA4B)

Flood Action 4 Buckingham (FA4B) was established in November 2024 by local residents and businesses who’ve experienced first-hand the devastating impact of flooding in our town.

We came together after witnessing repeated failures by those responsible to address Buckingham’s increasing flood risk and are working closely with relevant stakeholders and agencies to push for much-needed, meaningful change and ensure our community is no longer overlooked.

Our Mission Statement

Collaborating with the community to reduce flood risk.

Collectively we have a voice, together we make a difference.

Our Priorities

  • River Clearance & Maintenance

    We hold responsible agencies to account to ensure regular, effective management of local rivers.

  • Drainage System Clearance and Maintenance

    We push for routine inspection and clearing of drainage infrastructure to reduce blockages and overflow risk.

  • Flood Alleviation Scheme/s

    We work with stakeholders to create long-term strategies that reduce flood frequency and severity.

  • Flood Response Plan

    We’re developing a local flood resilience team to coordinate community support before, during, and after flood events.

  • Community Support

    We provide information, guidance, and practical help to residents affected by flooding.

Our Project Groups 

In order to mitigate flooding and maintain control we have established the eight groups as detailed below.

Communications Strategy

Information poster for Flood Action 4 Buckingham, showing an aerial shot over the town centre when it was flooded in 2024, QR codes to complete questionnaires, and the aims of the group.

The Communications Strategy Team is raising the profile of Flood Action 4 Buckingham with key stakeholders and the wider community. We’re using a range of materials to promote the group and its aims, increasing visibility and ensuring it is easily recognised by residents and stakeholders alike. 

The team have produced this FA4B website which serves as FA4B’s main point of contact with the community—a central hub to share updates and showcase our ongoing efforts to reduce flood risk in Buckingham.

Section 19

Logo of Buckinghamshire Council with a bird flying over trees and hills, established in 2020.

This team will monitor the existing Section 19 report and engage with all identified stakeholders to ensure accountability for required actions. A Section 19 report is triggered when a specified number of properties are flooded and following the 2024 flood, Buckingham met the threshold for a review and possible commissioning of a new Section 19 report.

Data and Housing

Brick residential house with a pitched roof, white-framed windows, and a small front porch, surrounded by a wooden fence and a small lawn, with a young tree in the driveway and neighbouring houses nearby, under a partly cloudy sky.

The Data and Housing team is collecting information from multiple sources to assist in identifying the causes of flooding in Buckingham. The investigation will examine rainfall, storms, river levels, housing, and future development plans.

A blocked drain on a concrete base surrounded by fallen brown leaves, against a textured light yellow wall.

Drains and Gullies

The aim of the Drains, Culverts, Gullies, and Underground Pipes team is to identify the organisations and individuals responsible for the local water management infrastructure. The team will lobby and engage stakeholders to take necessary and effective action, that will reduce the risk of flooding in Buckingham.

Community Response & Support

People standing in a flooded street wearing colorful waterproof boots.

The Community Response and Support team is actively recruiting volunteers and establishing emergency response support stock at two sites on either side of the river. These will include safety gear for volunteers and flood response equipment to support affected residents.

River Maintenance

A peaceful wetland with a winding waterway surrounded by tall grass, reeds, and scattered trees with budding leaves, under a clear sky.

The River Maintenance team is working with relevant organisations and authorities to ensure effective management of our river, holding them accountable for their responsibilities. This includes but is not limited to, maintaining clear river channels and water flow through the town. Key stakeholders include Anglian Water, the Environment Agency, Buckingham Town Council, Buckinghamshire Council, and local riparian owners.

River Maintenance
Self-Help

Partial view of a partially submerged damaged road sign in a creek with branches and water surrounding it.

The River Maintenance Self-Help Group is actively addressing the long-term neglect of our river by carrying out regular clean-ups along identified sections. Their efforts focus on removing debris, overgrowth and obstructions that can impede water flow and the group’s goal is to ensure the river flows freely and efficiently through the town, reducing the risk of blockages developing.

Fundraising

Close-up of a rolled-up British banknote with the number 5 and a pound sign visible.

The Fundraising Team actively monitors and reviews the latest funding opportunities to support the group’s ongoing aims. This includes researching grants from government bodies, environmental agencies, charitable foundations, and community funds. The team prepares and submits applications, ensuring they align with funding criteria and clearly demonstrate the impact of the group’s work.