'Bold, brave and innovative approach to UK flood management needed'

As parts of the country remain under floodwater and with many warnings and alerts still in place, industry leaders told the conference of ADA, the representative body for drainage, water level and food-risk management authorities, that closer Government engagement and building stronger partnerships in flood and water management were essential.

They called for a ‘fundamental shift’ in the Government’s approach, following criticism the devastation in some areas such as South Yorkshire had been brought about due to a lack of management and maintenance on key stretches of river, such as the Lower Don.

ADA chairman Robert Caudwell said: “It is not just about money, but also how it is spent.

Risk

“Crucially, is it also about greater partnerships, both with government, but all risk management authorities and other stakeholders such as the NFU.”

NFU vice-president Stuart Roberts added: “There is a need for more money to be invested in water, but we also need to be bolder, more innovative and braver with the investments. We need to think big, water is such an important asset, particularly in Britain. We need to be embracing our engineering skills.”

Mr Roberts referenced the need to look at innovative solutions, for example in helping move water around efficiently and effectively.

This year has seen droughts in some parts of the country, yet millions of gallons of water going back out to sea in other areas, in reasonably close proximity, the London conference heard.