A worried councillor has hit out over a 'prolonged and systemic failure' from authorities to help 'frustrated' local communities plagued by severe flooding.

The Berkshire towns of Datchet, Horton and Wraysbury have historically faced bad flooding - including severe flooding in 2014 that affected thousands of houses and families.

Now, nearly a decade on, Royal Borough councillor Ewan Larcombe has criticised his council’s record on flood prevention following a major report warning of the expected impacts of climate change.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published a report on the effects of climate change on health in the country, including greater risks of extreme heat and flooding.

Councillor David Fothergill, who is also chairman of the Local Government Association wellbeing board, said: "Councils are concerned that people and places will be left increasingly vulnerable without further preparation."

But the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s councillor Ewan Larcombe believes his area of Datchet, Horton and Wraysbury is especially at risk to many factors such as mosquitoes due to the proximity to several bodies of water.

He also characterised the borough’s record on flood prevention and land drainage maintenance as 'prolonged and systemic failure'.

Councillor Larcombe added: “I have witnessed some progress recently but for the most part all I see is words and not action.

“The former administration at RBWM had years to arrange partnership funding for flood alleviation but while they repeatedly proclaimed support for the project they failed to raise the funding in premeditated silence.

“Flooding and flood prevention is an economic and geopolitical problem that has always been at the bottom of the list of priorities until the water level rises – and then the council sends a lorry load of sandbags.”

Councillor Larcombe further called for legislation around flooding to be updated, including the Floods and Water Management Act 2010.

He also previously raised concerns about the status of the River Thames Scheme (RTS) – which is intended to prevent flooding in the Home Counties.

However, the Royal Borough withdrew from this project a few years ago amid concerns around budgeting.

The council’s cabinet member for environmental services councillor Richard Coe previously told the LDRS: "All flood risk management projects are complex, multi-stage, significant infrastructure projects and, as such, they take time to identify suitable options working with the community, secure the required permissions and raise the significant investment required from multiple sources in order for them to go ahead.

“Flooding remains a very real risk and concern in Datchet, Horton, Wraysbury and Old Windsor, and we share residents’ frustration at the slow pace imposed by national frameworks.”