The wrong sort of flooding
Following on from the wrong sort of leaves and the wrong sort of snow. Just as millions are poured into stopping Somerset rivers from flooding, we ask if our authorities are missing a trick.
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Anyone who lives on the Somerset Levels is not going to forget the years 2012-2014 in a hurry. Two winters of heavy floods, saturated land, culminating in evacuations of villages, a visit from the (then) Prince of Wales and Prime Minister and lots of promises along the lines of “never again”.
And yet here we are, barely a decade later, in the aftermath of a spring where floods have once again been a major problem. On 25th March local MPs Adam Dance (Yeovil), Sarah Dyke (Glastonbury & Somerton) and Tessa Munt (Wells & Mendip Hills) met with flooding Minister Emma Hardy MP.
Mr Dance highlighted the growing impact of climate change and raised concerns over the lack of coordination between agencies, which leaves residents unsure who to turn to when flooding occurs. He also stressed the importance of greater powers and funding for the Somerset Rivers Authority and Environment Agency to improve local response and long-term planning.
Without in any way suggesting that any help would not be welcome, there has perhaps been a lack of thought about the nature of the floods this spring.