I spent Friday driving round Somerset, including the northern bit of the Levels. Mostly OK with localised heavy flooding.

And that's the main issue, but people look for someone to blame, so when you're stood knee deep in water, in your kitchen I bet the first reaction isn't, "Bugger me, it rained loads" more, "Who's fault is this, because it's certainly not mine. Flood plain? Oh we thought they were joking."

Which then leads to politicians trying to be seen to be doing something in an attempt to not get blamed too much, but they just look opportunistic. Which then leads them to spending pot loads of cash when it's going to happen again days later.

As for preventative maintenance, unfortunately, to know if somewhere needs it requires a bloody big deluge of water.



From last year, the water is usually 10/12/15 feet lower than this, but afterwards there was lots of work done in widening/repairing culverts etc.

Anyone who knows me and who recalls the "Dude Where's My Pond" article will know that I am an expert on these kind of things and frankly if I were that person stood where they're standing then I wouldn't be stood where they're standing, especially if they can hear creaking noises.

I entirely agree. And of course, the further we are from: 'it woz god wot did it', then blame will be levied in other directions.



On your further point, while I understand the sentiment, I do think that, if government scientists are consistently making a certain point, one would hope that politicians of whatever party would, in government, look at long-term planning.



That, of course, raises the issue of the connection – or lack thereof – with the public. It would be so welcome to see the end of spin (from whichever party) and serious honesty with the electorate.

It does make you wonder if the Dutch had gone about flood prevention and water management in the same cack-handed, penny-pinching way we had, Amsterdam would probably be the new Atlantis

Unfortunately, a politician's long term planning is 5 years. Or planning something that's bloody wonderful. Right now, Cameron is saying lots of pleasant, compassionate things but what he's really, really hoping for is a drought or a picture of Ed Milliband with wellies that aren't high enough to stop the water getting in. They're always running for election.



What's the phrase from the film? "You can't handle the truth!" Not so much honesty as I don't believe MP's are dishonest as such, more a certain level of bluntness. The trouble is it mustn't win votes or they'd do it.

They had no choice, because places were becoming like Atlantis. They weren't being flooded because of abnormally heavy rain but because the sodding sea was launching an attack. I'm pretty sure our "emergency avalanche fund" (if we have one) doesn't compare with Austria/Switzerland etc.

This country is odd - Whenever we suffer any significant period of wet weather, we flood... Similarly, whenever we suffer a significant period of dry, warm weather, we go into drought/hosepipe ban mode.



Would it be too simple to suggest some sort of drainage/reservoir system is planned and built, where we are able to cope with, and store, any winter rain and then use the excess water in the summer to water our plants and wash our cars, until our hearts are content??....

The major difference is a political will to do something. We just flog everything off to private enterprise and cut funding to what little remains

What? So we should build flood defences up in the Pennines to match those they have in the Netherlands because that'd show 'em that our politicians mean business.

Do you need some foil for your crack?

Well. TBH the flood / storm news is doing my head in!



Somerset levels (some of it lower than sea level) under water, the Thames Valley (I think the clue’s in the name) under water.



Dave giving assurances that “money’s no object”, Miliband questioning his statement , blah, blah.



People squealing about the environment agency, endless sandbags, a rickety railway line right next to the sea, (I’m sure I’ve seen that image all week) & dredging (I mustn’t forget the answer to all the ills)



Endless videos of human misery, hour after hour.



Well, hears the breaking news, the climates on the change. It’s happened before, & sure as hell it’s happening again.



I just wish it was all going on “Up North”, I might just see a bit more alternative news.