Fears as water boards amalgamate

FEARS have been voiced that a streamlining of internal drainage boards – the organisations set up to reduce the flood risk and help maximise agricultural production – will lead to a lesser voice for farmers and a loss of local knowledge.

The boards were set up in the 1930″s to not only maintain and improve the existing waterway system but to drain and colonise wet areas which were previously unworkable for agriculture.

DEFRA is now amalgamating groups of the boards in a bid to achieve greater efficiency and ensure the UK”s duties under the European Habitats directive are observed.

The boards have been accused of not being sufficiently accountable to the public and a few have shown scant regard for habitat protection.

 But some farmers believe the amalgamation of groups of boards into single authorities will bring with it a risk of decisions not in the best interests of local people and slanted towards protecting wildlife habitats rather than supporting agriculture.

The River Wensum Internal Drainage Board (IDB) in Norfolk has been one of those which have efficiently looked after the interests of farmers and wildlife habitat.

Retiring chairman, John Carrick, of Castle Farm, Swanton Morley, said: “My real concern is the loss of representation and local knowledge and experience built up over many years.

 “Unfortunately the aims of the Environment Agency and English Nature are sometimes a million miles away from those of the farmers and graziers. The agency is often looking at wetlands to play a flood relief role.”

 Mr Carrick said decisions would in future be taken many miles away, largely by people who did not have the local knowledge which had, up to now, ensured that local interests were fully taken into account.