Doon frae Troon
Ryder Cup Winner
9'' of snow in Swaledale this afternoon.
So...Flood defences...
Obviously, what has been done wasn't enough but, surely, the only way to deal with that volume of rain is LA-style storm drains - completely inappropriate for the area as it will destroy the reason people want to go/live there.
So what is the way forward..?
The rain they had was extreme, very extreme, but how easy is it to legislate and prepare for these extremes..?
This.One of the problems, some locals would argue the main problem is a lack of dredging of the rivers. In the past rivers were regularly cleared of build ups of silt, rocks and other debris that could hinder a free flow of water.
The environment agency as it is now does not carry out such work. Using Cockermouth as an example prior to 2009 floods there, a build up of rocks under one of the bridges had formed a big island with the river running either side of it. Did not take a rocket scientist to work out this could cause problems in the even of extremely heavy rain over a sustained period.
To my knowledge I am not aware of any clearing of rivers since the 2009 floods other that by the floods themselves, the amount of rocks and debris that could be seen along the course of the river was astonishingly.
Of course this flooding may have occurred anyway but many older people believe the modern way of managing the rivers is the problem and the latest floods have not being a surprise to be honest.
One of the problems, some locals would argue the main problem is a lack of dredging of the rivers. In the past rivers were regularly cleared of build ups of silt, rocks and other debris that could hinder a free flow of water.
The environment agency as it is now does not carry out such work. Using Cockermouth as an example prior to 2009 floods there, a build up of rocks under one of the bridges had formed a big island with the river running either side of it. Did not take a rocket scientist to work out this could cause problems in the even of extremely heavy rain over a sustained period.
To my knowledge I am not aware of any clearing of rivers since the 2009 floods other that by the floods themselves, the amount of rocks and debris that could be seen along the course of the river was astonishingly.
Of course this flooding may have occurred anyway but many older people believe the modern way of managing the rivers is the problem and the latest floods have not being a surprise to be honest.
Paul Daniels [along with the delightful Debbie] made a very strong presentation for a return to the 'old ways' of river management when the Thames was last in flood... All the 'right people' sort of nodded, in agreement, but as usual did nothing and forgot about it when all returned to normal... Sadly, I suspect this will happen again for Cumbria...
Looking horrible in Keswick etc again. All the best to all up that way.
I agree. Some terrible pictures on the news tonight just after it seemed some communities were just starting to get on their feet
Heading to Carlisle tomorrow for a few days. Hopefully minimal disruption.