We covered all the issues surrounding the Carlisle catchment area. We also covered our general dissatisfaction with the Environment Agency, Local Councils , Ministers.
What surprised us most on the evening was the fact that the EA have been in discussions with the allotment holders at the top of Melbourne park as they are indicating that this area will become part of a storage area if there is a flood.
They are also intending to hold a consultation on this on the 15th February at Greystone Road Community Centre.
The weir removal at Melbourne park is subject to a Eden Rivers Trust consultation in March.
We have serious concerns that the correct procedures have not been followed and we will challenge their methodology.
We showed the slides which clearly demonstrates the build up of the river bed from the 1960s to the present day.
We also discussed the vulnerability of the bridge itself and the potential catastrophic effect it would have on the city.
We then discussed Holmehead weir and again those present were very concerned about the ERT proposal to remove the weir. Listed status was discussed and riparian responsibility and luckily residents and owners adjacent to the weir were present .
We also discussed the Phase 3 measures for Carlisle which seem to have been put on the back burner due to a lack of finance.
The actions from this meeting are as follows:
1. Attend Feb 15th event at Greystone Road. EA consultation.
2. Follow up on the recommendations from the 2016 DEFRA select committee. We should contact the secretary to find up if the recommendations have been followed up.
3. Attend the ERT consultation in March on the Melbourne park weir removal.
4. Speak to local councils re planning applications.
