Too many cooks (From Malvern Gazette)

Too many cooks

10:28am Friday 3rd August 2007 in Letters

The staff of the agencies and services involved in the July floods crisis certainly deserve our thanks for their tireless efforts.

However, many of their efforts would have been unnecessary if the UK had clear and consistent transport and water control policies. Confusion, delays and errors are inevitable when so many organisations are involved. The Environment Agency, Highways Agency, Regional planning bodies, county and district councils, emergency services, British Waterways and DEFRA come to mind immediately and there are probably many more.

We could do worse than follow the example of another overcrowded and watery country.

The Netherlands has a single Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management. A translation of the Dutch Ministry's mission statement (sorry, they have them as well) is "to work for dry feet, clean and adequate water and for the speedy and safe passage of traffic"; none of which is enjoyed by the Three Counties at present.

The Minister, who has a senior position in the Dutch cabinet, is responsible for mobility policy throughout the Netherlands and for protection against floods or falling water tables. He is also responsible for ensuring clean water in the rivers, lakes and sea and the use of water to prevent falling water tables, as well as protection against high water levels. He can apply punitive sanctions for those who disregard regulations, be they individuals, companies or public bodies.

A key tool in the Dutch water management is to set aside areas into which water from rivers can be diverted. Such areas act as flood buffers at times and water table reservoirs at others. They are sacrosanct; no crop growing is permitted, let alone the building of housing estates.

John Thompson, Riverside Close, Upton upon Severn.