Botcherby Bridge 'Smoothing' works showing diversion of the river under
one arch.
The Environment Agency is hell-bent on 'No Dredging'. It appears OK for
extensive dredging down south, and also on the River Tyne at Haydon
Bridge.
In the interests of maximising the efficiency of this obstructive bridge
why not clear the channel by dredging for maximum conveyance.
At the recent kick-off of the Carlisle Phase 1 Melbourne Park raising
and extending the flood embankment, the issue of fallen trees in the
river channel was pointed out in the presence Sir John Bevan of the
Environment Agency - any trees washed down to the Botcherby Bridge will
potentially negate all the raising of the flood defences, and we will
inevitably be flooded once again .
Many members of the public have reported this problem to me, of fallen
trees in the
river channel and in turn I have reported it to the EA numerous times
with no positive response.
Whoever is responsible, be it the Carlisle City Council as 'Riparian
Owner', the Environment Agency from a maintenance perspective please let
us have some action.
A recent report regarding the River Petteril from downstream of
Botcherby Bridge, a member of
the general public was informed whilst removing various shopping
trolley and other such detritus that they could be prosecuted for going
into the river bed.
Everybody wants to be in charge and nobody is doing anything about it.
Please let us have some visible action
Richard Milne
Carlisle Flood Action Group
