I have lived in Kingsland for more than 20 years and have seen the devastating effects of flooding on properties situated near the river Lugg.

Having recently walked the footpath along the river which has been the subject of huge debate, and was flowing rapidly with no signs of flooding, I feel compelled to pass on my thinking via your columns.

Throughout the county and beyond their have been reports of the horrendous effects of flooding.

In many cases the water is unable to run freely and get away, because very little is done to manage some areas of the rivers.

There are blockages of different descriptions, which have remained in situ for meaningful periods of time.

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Whilst alder trees, which grow close to rivers, help to stabilise the river banks, their branches frequently overhang, causing other rubbish to build up around the branches.

If broken off, these branches do not rot like other wood, so very soon huge problems occur.

Historically, regular clearing of rivers was carried out and overhanging branches cut down.

This does not appear to take place in many areas, on a regular basis and as a consequence flooding occurs.

This in turn causes disruption, heartache and inconvenience to many, but in particular, there is huge loss of revenue to the farmers whose land through which the rivers flow. 

Farmers who may consider themselves fortunate or unfortunate, at certain times of year, to have a river flowing through their land, pay very meaningful amounts of money each year to the rivers authorities. One wonders just what happens to this money? 

There are two weirs on the river here in the parish of Kingsland, both of which have been blocked with rubbish for a very considerable time.

Recently concern was expressed regarding the fish in the river, following the clearing of the river Lugg.

Again, one wonders how are fish supposed to get up the river if the weirs are blocked?

Perhaps those who expressed concern should look at the bigger picture?

Maybe such bodies as Natural England, the various rivers authorities, the Environment Agency and any such body involved with decision making involving rural life have had time during these periods of lockdown to think through and re-consider some of their ideas and schemes and maybe conclude that it is perhaps time to look at things in a somewhat different light with regards to what is done and by whom?

No longer can Brexit be the excuse/reason for doing/not doing/not be able to do things.

Let’s hope that common sense can finally be allowed to prevail!

Jean Barbour
Kingsland

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