08:00 - 22 April 2008
A frustrated Hedon farmer has hit out at the Environment
Agency's refusal to dredge nearby waterways to prevent flooding.
Since last June's floods, there has been further flooding on land around the
River Hull.
The issue was raised earlier in the year by angry farmers, who believe the
problem stems from the inability of watercourses to move large volumes of
water due to lack of maintenance.
David Fisher, who helps run Thorn Villa Farm with his
father, feels dredging waterways could help prevent further problems.
But he feels his pleas are falling on deaf ears, as the Environment Agency
insists dredging is ineffective.
Mr Fisher, 33, said: "We went to a National Farmers' Union meeting with
Peter Holmes (the agency's area flood risk manager) and his attitude was
insulting.
"He said dredging wouldn't play a part in reducing water levels.
"To say that in front of farmers who know about the land is laughable."
To alleviate flooding on his farm, Mr Fisher has had to dig small trenches
next to his fields to help drain rainwater away.
Following the meeting, Mr Fisher attempted to contact the agency, but to no
avail.
He said: "Dredging does work and farmers believe the dredging that has taken
place has dropped the water level by almost a metre.
"It's frustrating they cannot see it. They are denying science."
But the Environment Agency is adamant dredging won't tackle the problem of
flooding.
John Burbidge, of the agency, said: "Rivers only stay inside their banks in
low to medium flows. Above this the river flows on to the floodplain - as
much a natural part of the river as the channel itself.
"If we over-deepen rivers by dredging beyond their natural depth, they would
quickly silt up and find their state of equilibrium.
"Dredging would only increase their capacity by a small amount and in the
very short term."