Stemming the tide

Following the devastating floods of last summer, London councils and their partners have an increasingly important role in protecting local communities from future flooding in the capital. Laura Compton reports

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The River Thames is one of the capital's greatest assets. From its often disputed origins at Thames Head in Gloucestershire, the river extends for 215 miles, through 17 London boroughs and out towards the Thames Estuary, home to 12 million people across greater London, Essex and Kent.

These days, the river water is drinkable and home to a diverse ecosystem, including 119 species of fish. Three million tourists a year use the river to explore the capital and, as the longest riverside walk in Europe, the 184 miles of Thames Path attract further visitors, bolstering London's status as a key tourist destination and contributing millions to the wider capital's economy.

Yet, the Thames is potentially both friend and foe to those Londoners living within its course. During the summer floods last year, many people experienced first hand the destructive impact flooding could have on key services in the capital; Heathrow cancelled 141 flights, 25 Underground stations closed and in south Croydon two rail lines were shut due to landslides.

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