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C4 News: Env Sec Owen Paterson visits Somerset Levels 'A third world country'

1,253 views · Published 27 January 2014 · 9:49 · Indexed 22 September 2026

Channel: Public Enquiry · 2014 · News & Politics

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'A third world country': flood victims turn on Paterson
Angry residents living in the Somerset Levels accuse Environment Secretary Owen Paterson of a "publicity stunt" when he visits the flood hit area.
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Locals said they were living in "third world" conditions, with "overflowing" septic tanks and water in their homes.
Mr Paterson promised that a new plan to deal with flooding in the region would be drawn up within six weeks, "almost certainly" involving a project to clear the Parrett and Tone rivers.
He said national guidelines on dredging were not appropriate for the Somerset Levels, around 100 square miles of which are below sea level.
His announcement was made during a news conference, to which local reporters and residents were refused entry.
Bryony Sadler, of Flooding on the Somerset Levels Action Group (FLAG), branded Mr Paterson's 30 minute visit a "publicity stunt".
The Environment Agency was criticised by Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddel-Grainger over the lack of dredging on the river system.
He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "Once it's dredged we can then maintain it but the Environment Agency has to stop this mucking around and get on with it."
Speaking at Northmoor Pumping Station, Councillor Julian Taylor, of Sedgemoor District Council, called the lack of dredging a "self-fulfilling prophesy".
"We've been having a lot of concern for at least 20 years saying the river should be dredged and put back to its original condition," Cllr Taylor said.
"We've had conspicuous neglect for 20 years where they have not maintained the rivers properly. If you do not maintain the rivers properly, you'll get water more quickly off the moors.
"It's a self-fulfilling prophesy. We are asking the minister to invest now for the future so that this doesn't happen again."
Local resident Sue Crocker, of nearby Fordgate, said dredging was not the complete solution but a vital part of it.
"The term third world country cmes to mind," Mrs Crocker said. "We have one portaloo, we have no septic tanks or overflowing, there is a lot of sewerage running around the roads and it's like Chinese torture.
"Homes have been flooded and we're frustrated and we feel abandoned. We're human beings and this is the 21st century and we're not feeling like we're part of it anymore.
"Dredging is not the answer, it is part of the answer. I think its important that them up in London with their computers listen to the real people."
'Hugely disappointed'
Speaking after Mr Paterson's visit, the leader of Somerset County Council said he was disappointed there would be no immediate extra funding to protect flood-hit communities.
John Osman said: "Although I am hugely disappointed that central government have not announced any additional funding, we will continue to keep the pressure on to secure a fair deal for Somerset's residents.
"We are happy to work with government and other agencies to draw up a long-term plan to protect our communities against flooding but I want to be clear that this is not the end of our fight to lobby government to support our flood-hit communities."
Matthew Lay, national officer of Unison added: "Far from offering any comfort to residents affected by flooding, Owen Patterson is a major part of the problem.
"He is overseeing massive cuts to the Environment Agency despite all the scientific evidence showing that climate change is a major reason for a rise in the number of floods.
"The government must put in place an environment secretary who accepts that the risk of flooding is increasing year-on-year.

"Communities up and down the country will remain in danger until the Environment Agency is given adequate resources and funding to prevent and handle disasters caused by floods."

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