Neglect of river sees fields left to gather floodwater

The gates to which they refer are a sluice which is free-running, although governed by the scale

of the river's water content, which is the root cause of the state of Mr Huddlestone's fields.

A very badly neglected riverside, especially when 3m of EU money was spent several years ago in a scheme to overcome the problem, which when managed correctly did so.

The sluice is the only route the floodwater has to

clear the flood, therefore the river and the pumps must co-ordinate.

It is rubbish to say that to dredge and clear all vegetation which holds up the river's flow would not help the flooding problem.

I suspect the wildlife brigade have a finger in this issue. Whatever they say should be ignored. There are thousands of acres which cannot ever be tilled, providing ample habitat for wildlife. Food producing land should take precedence.

I have dwelt in the village of Misson for more than 50 years and tilled many of these fields. Mr Huddlestone learned a lot about the hazards and habits of the river Idle, which at one time ruled the roost.

However, it seems the attempt to manage it are being overruled by yet another of this tinpot Government's departments, top heavy with quangos

and a general hindrance to the functions of the countryside.

I am pleased I am well out of it. I never thought I would see the day when farmers have to operate with dictation and bumph.

From: SQ Clark, Misson, Bawtry, Doncaster.