Farmers to tackle agency's flood risk plans

Saturday, January 03, 2009, 06:30

FARMERS are to tackle the Environment Agency over controversial flood management plans that could see their fields flooded.

Talks will take place next week over the agency's proposals to manage flood risk on five rivers in the East Riding, where low-lying farm land would be used as "water storage areas".

The plans would mean, in times of flooding and heavy rain, parts of the countryside would be used to hold flood water from rivers and streams.

Maintenance of flood defences would be withdrawn and land that frequently floods would be submerged in a bid to protect property and other areas.

Farmer John Duggleby, at Beswick, near Driffield, has attacked the plans.

Mr Duggleby, who is chairman of the Beverley and Holderness Internal Drainage Board, condemned the proposals as "totally unworkable" and a waste of prime agricultural land.

He claimed the agency wants to sacrifice farmland and property in the East Riding in a bid to protect Hull from flooding.

"They seem to think if they carry out what they are proposing it will save Hull," he said.

Mr Duggleby accused the agency of "walking away from its obligations".

He said: "It beggars belief. We in the farming industry clean out our dykes every year."

Mr Duggleby and internal drainage board members are set to meet the Environment Agency on Wednesday.

The agency is also set to meet concerned parish councils in the area, including Tickton and Leven.

A spokeswoman for the agency said: "The strategy is still in its early stages, nothing is a fait accompli."