Floods plan raises fears

Farmers who fear proposals to protect Shrewsbury from flooding could leave their land under water further upstream on the Shropshire/Powys border were today urged to attend a crisis meeting.

The Environment Agency has been invited to explain its thoughts over increasing the frequency of flooding along the rivers Severn and Vyrnwy to deliver benefits lower downstream.

It could affect land at the Severn/Vyrnwy confluence, around the Melverley and Llandrinio areas, as well as further upstream into Mid Wales.

One farming chief today accused the Environment Agency of trying to "steamroller" the rivers' management plan through.

The meeting, called by the NFU, will be held on Thursday at 6.45pm at the Royal Oak Hotel in Welshpool.Those who farm in and around the floodplain are encouraged to attend to hear exactly what the proposals will entail.

NFU Cymru County chairman, Bob Morgan said: "It is most alarming to note that the Environment Agency's proposed policy for the upper reaches of the Severn is to take action to increase the frequency of flooding so as to deliver benefits elsewhere.

"This is clearly unacceptable to us in its current form.

"It would appear that no recognition at all has been given to the huge impact this will have on rural businesses operating in and around the river's floodplain."

Some ideas include water storage within the undeveloped floodplain and a study to identify opportunities for the local economy to benefit from increased storage and wetland creation through recreation tourism such as bird watching.

Mr Morgan said: "It is hugely disappointing that the Environment Agency seems to have given so little consideration to the impact that increased flooding will have on farming and other rural businesses along the riverbank.

"Neither is it acceptable that it appears to be trying to steamroller this draft plan through with just a six week consultation period, due to end in early July.

"We have written to the Agency's regional director to express the view that this period is wholly insufficient to allow for a considered debate and have requested it be extended by a further six weeks."