Block and tackle

Your article Probe starts into why flood defence failed twice (NCE 10 November) yet again raises the question of preventive maintenance.

The nvironment gency seem loath to undertake any works to remove fallen trees or deleterious matter from watercourses. The preferred action is to leave this work to nature in the hope that the problem is rectified naturally under the guise of protecting the environment.

I have recently received confirmation from the Agency that they will only remove animal carcasses if there is a possible pollution problem.

It takes little imagination to envisage the consequences when a combination of a large animal carcass and other extraneous debris collect at the mouth of a culvert or small bridge during periods of inclement weather.

Why spend large sums on fl ood alleviation schemes then ignore maintenance which would help watercourses to handle flows more effectively?

James Kirkbright (M), Seasons Cottage, Cookswell, Shillingstone, Dorset, DT11 0QZ