4th December 2011

Margaret Sumner
LPTAC Rep
West Lancashire Three Tier Forum

Hi Margaret,

Rufford & Holmeswood Parish Council believe that the recent Environment Agency 'Consultation' process has so far been disingenuous, ambiguous and somewhat furtive.

The feedback we received back from the public about the Consultation Form was not positive or even polite. Many described it as "rubbish" and some of the comments made are unprintable.

In our opinion, the form is deliberately confusing, difficult to comprehend and misuses the word 'sustainability'.

There appears to be no mention or use of any reports regarding the economy of the catchment area; no mention of the amount of food produced in the area and its value to the country as a whole; no mention of amount of food exports originating from this area and no mention of the extent to which jobs and livelihoods could be negatively affected.

In summary, our opposition to the Environment Agency plans involves:

• the fact that the pumping system in Rufford works very well (albeit some issues with ditch maintenance) - so well in fact that most of the public have no idea where the pumps are located or even that they exist
• the fact that this issue does not just concern a negotiation between the Environment Agency and the the farming industry about pumping payments
• the fact that domestic residents are also entitled to the supply of comprehensive, accurate information and the opportunity to be fully involved in consultation processes and any subsequent decision-making
• the fact that a range of European legislation is already in place concerning the flooding of farmland to create wildlife habitats

What needs to be understood is that the Environment Agency does not have a duty to construct or maintain works. Their recent documentation seems intent on taking away the last of our legal and political rights to oppose any plan put forward by them, to flood good farming land.

The Rufford area is only a small part of the Alt & Crossens catchment region but we would be greatly affected by any alterations to the excellent system in place now.

We feel that the Environment Agency plans must be opposed now and that we can make a difference by working together on this issue. We should have one simple demand - the provision of Protected Area status

Regards,
John Gordon
Rufford & Holmeswood Parish Council

NB Take a look at the Flood Risk page on our website: www.ruffordandholmeswood.org.uk/floodrisk.html