Farmers Urge Authorities to Spend £300,000 Wisely on Washes

Officials have been called upon to allocate an estimated £300,000 wisely as they develop a vision for the future of the Cowbit and Crowland Washes. These washes, which have served as a protective measure for the area for centuries, are now reportedly shrinking and nearing the end of their operational life. The situation worsened following the collapse of a bank along the River Welland during Storm Henk, leading to significant flooding in the region.

The Environment Agency faced criticism from local farmers after last year’s breach resulted in prolonged flooding of their land, which remained submerged for months due to delays in repairing the bank. In response to these challenges, the agency has been allocated £300,000 as part of the Government’s flood and coastal erosion risk management programme to reassess the status of the washes.

Trevor Tyrrell, a farmer from Cowbit and one of the landowners affected by the flooding, emphasized the need for responsible spending of the allocated funds. He stated, “If they have £300,000 to look at the future of Cowbit and Crowland Washes, then they need to spend it wisely and please include the stakeholders and landowners.”

Tyrrell advocates for maintaining the historical function of the washes, which should facilitate controlled flooding and effective water evacuation. He expressed concern that this essential function has deteriorated over the years. “If they have £300,000, it should be spent on some ways to evacuate water. Not just bumble around,” he added.

In a broader context, the Environment Agency secured £2.8 million in 2022 to investigate the best utilization of washes and to better understand the flood risk through advanced mapping and modeling techniques. The agency is currently reviewing its plans and approaches to ensure that the funding is used effectively to safeguard local communities.

As the situation develops, the involvement of local stakeholders, including landowners and farmers, will be crucial in shaping a robust plan for the Cowbit and Crowland Washes. The outcomes of this initiative could set a precedent for future flood management strategies in the region.

The Environment Agency has been approached for comments regarding the latest funding allocation and its implications for local residents. For those interested in voicing their opinions, feedback can be directed to [email protected].