Comments on: Flood (mis)management? (some thoughts for George Osborne)

By: Chris Uttley

Chris Uttley — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 10:27:32 +0000

Hello Steve,
Thanks for linking to the film. Although I wouldn’t want anyone to get the idea that we are only working with the National Trust. NT forms only a small part of the ownership in the Stroud Frome catchment, the majority is in private hands (mostly farmers), and we have been working with a significant number of private owners in addition to the NGO owners. We went to NT and the local wildlife trust because we knew we would be able to get works on the ground early to build confidence, both with residents and other landowners, which is what has happened. I would say that any work that would benefit Shipley would need to take place well upstream on the smaller streams. The funding situation in Stroud is the same as you describe though. Almost none of the areas qualify for flood defence spending due to the cost benefits issue. I heard figures stating that over 200,000 properties in England are in a similar position, and in some cases, looking at upstream solutions can be the only game in town.

By: Steve Bottoms

Steve Bottoms — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 21:49:53 +0000

Phillip, many thanks for this. You’re quite right to point out my error with the figures and I’ve now amended this in the blog itself. Your other comments are also appreciated, thanks. Steve

By: Phillip

Phillip — Sat, 19 Mar 2016 23:39:46 +0000

Wow Steve that’s a lot to take in
Can I first say that the £150 million is not nation wide, but I’m told that’s yorkshires share
You are correct that Shipley/ Baildon won’t get any because Bradford council have not produced a strategy for flood defence
The truth is that Bradford is a failed council and is not fit for purpose
The administration of the £500 flood grant was an absolute shambles and they have no excuse for their miss management of the flood aftermath
The environment idiots are worse and can’t answer simple questions, in fact they are incaperble of formulating a reply to any question
I wish I could be at your meeting but I have to work Sunday

Please swear at them for me

All the best

Phillip