Farming leaders are calling for talks with the Environment Agency on flooding to prevent ‘a repeat of the past 18 months’.
South Lincolnshire (Holland) NFU chairman Simon Gadd wants to table discussions about flooding after homes and hundreds of acres of planted fields ended up under water following extreme weather earlier this week.
Last year, Cowbit and Crowland Washes were flooded after a bank of the River Welland collapsed and took months for the agency to repair the breech.
Simon Gadd, National Farmers’ Union
But he has also praised the efforts of farmers Dean and Ryan Wesley who rescued five people – including a pregnant woman – and a dog using their JCB digger from the floods which hit Billingborough on Monday.
Mr Gadd, who farms cereal crops in the Boston area, said: “As farmers and growers we are very much part of our community and will always get stuck in and help when we can.
“Be that helping to clear main roads of snow and fallen trees using our farm vehicles, sometimes in the middle of the night, or safely doing our bit to help the rescue services in an emergency.
Dean with his son, Ryan WesleySimon Gadd wants talks with the Environment Agency to avoid further flooding
“Hats off to Dean and Ryan for their efforts over the past few days, which were tremendous and this is mirrored by farmers up and down the county in times of need.
“Conditions that may seem relatively safe can often contain hidden dangers, so care needs to be taken at all times and we will continue to keep a very close eye on the weather as we all count the cost of the latest downpours and get back to the day job of producing food.
“I am keen to get around the table with fellow farmers, the NFU and Environment Agency to see what further action can be taken to safeguard our homes and businesses from flooding as we do not want to see a repeat of the past 18 months.”