Farmers DIY flood barrier illegal
9 February 2001
Farmer’s DIY flood barrier ‘illegal’
By FWi staff
WORCESTERSHIRE farmer who battled to save his village during recent flooding has been told by the Environment Agency that he acted illegally.
The agency tried to serve an enforcement order on Stephen Watkins, of Sheepcote Farm, Clifton, near Severn Stoke, Worcestershire.
This would have forced him to remove soil he tipped on the flood plain of the River Severn to strengthen a 200-year-old private flood defence.
The agency claimed his actions had cut off part of the flood plain, but is now reconsidering its position after Mr Watkins refused to accept the order.
“The old defence protects nine properties and the water would have been up to bedroom level if I had not acted,” said Mr Watkins.
“The EA says I should have got planning consent but there wasnt time. I was just trying to be practical and help people.
Mr Watkins actions commanded strong local support.
Clive Gittins, a neighbouring farmer who helped him, said: “We are not going to just stand here while our houses are flooded and our livestock drowns.”
The EA is now assessing whether to insist that Mr Watkins restore the flood defence wall to its original height.