Memorandum submitted by Revd. Stephen
Cope (FL 17)
I refer specifically to the flooding at Burstwick,
East Riding, which followed the main Hull floods. I would imagine
other places had similar situations. Much local anger centred
round the likelihood that blocked field drains or inoperable sluices
caused the backup which flooded the village and surrounding farmland.
I appreciate that it might well not have been possible to answer
questions at all immediately, but it would certainly have been
useful for victims of the flood to have known as soon as possible
precisely where and why the backup occurred, and whose the responsibility
it was—even if only so that similar occurrences could be
avoided in the future. Failure to admit responsibility is a repeated
complaint with regard to government at all levels, and trust can
surely best be restored by communicating all available information
as soon as possible, by means e.g. of local radio.
Beyond that, I am sure it would come as no surprise
to you to learn that I commend the work of the ARC-Addington Fund.
I am sure their submission will be infinitely more useful than
mine.
Revd. Stephen Cope
Bishop of Hull's Adviser on Rural Affairs for the
Archdeaconry of the East Riding, and Vice-Chair,
Churches Rural Group
August 2007
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