'Ed the Miller - His horror story' - by Ewan Larcombe - 16/10/2007

A man named Ed has owned a Water Mill since 1976.  He is being taken to Court next month (for the third time) by the Environment Agency.

A farmer downstream of the Water Mill complained about lack of water in the Brook.  The EA in their wisdom (or ignorance) instructed Ed the miller to open his sluices to divert more water into the Brook.  Unfortunately the water will not flow because the watercourse itself is blocked and the bed has risen. The water just backs up, submerging the miller's water wheel and preventing it from turning.

Not only have the EA failed to recognise the true cause of the problem, ignored the condition of the watercourse and failed to ensure that the riparian owners fulfil their watercourse maintenance responsibilities, but also the EA have refused the miller permission to maintain the watercourse. This is unjust and the EA have a lot to answer for!

And then came the July rains and many local houses flooded!! Need I say any more!!

Personally I find the whole situation outrageous. The bottom line is that if water has nowhere to go, you get flooding. The neglected practice of monitoring and regular maintenance of the drains and watercourses is critically important and cannot be left to button-pushers who work from a safe and secure, warm, dry office many miles from the scene.

Individual Parish Councils should take responsibility for regular watercourse and drain condition monitoring (including groundwater levels). These are the people who have a vested interest, who live there and have the knowledge and experience.

In my opinion, the EA have a lot to learn, but to be honest, the one thing they are good at is making excuses!!