Environment Agency says repairs to Cowbit and Crowland Wash should be complete in October as calls are made for compensation for anglers, sailors and farmers

Months of misery for farmers and sports clubs could soon be over as work to repair a breached river bank has finally begun — but calls have been made for compensation for the slow response.

The Environment Agency say the repairs to the bank of the River Welland on the outskirts of Crowland are ‘scheduled to be complete’ by mid October with contractors making progress on the main hole.

During January’s Storm Henk, the River Welland was sent flooding onto farmland in the Crowland and Cowbit Wash - which has made the land unusable for most of this year and impacted businesses in the area.

The water levels — which have fallen to historic lows — have also created havoc for anglers and sailors who have missed out on their sport for most of this year due to the lengthy delays in starting repairs — plus Spalding Water Taxi has not been able to run.

Groups say it’s not time for ‘tea and medals’ as concerns have been expressed about playing ‘Russian roulette’ with the river along with lack of compensation for the people who have been affected.

Rob Harris, chairman of Peterborough and District Angling Association, was pleased to see ‘meaningful progress’.

He said: “Let's not stop for too many tea and medals though. October is well beyond any originally promised timescale and these works have an unfortunate history of not meeting deadlines

“Also worrying is the fact that this spans the whole summer period, essentially meaning we've accepted playing Russian roulette with the ecology of the River Welland, leaving it overgrown, exposed and greatly increasing the risk of oxygen crashes

“Let's not forget, this also moves us back into the rainy season, and who amongst us doesn't fear a repeat performance? I'm not sure the river, it's wildlife or local business can sustain that

“While we're on the topic, it's probably time then to discuss reparation, and what the Environment Agency plan to do to mitigate the losses to both wildlife and the affected stakeholders for such neglectful procrastination

“Pleased to see some action but one step forward after ten steps back means a long way from the end of the journey.”

River levels have also affected Welland Yacht Club which has lost on vital income and sailing time due to the water levels but have raised concerns about the maintenance of the river due to the amount of weed in the channel.

A spokesman said: “We are surprised that the EA is saying the middle of October when it looks almost complete and we are disappointed with the lack of response or communication from the EA both for the breach repair and the weed cutting.”

Trevor Tyrrell has been unable to crop much of the land he farms in the Cowbit area due to the breach this year.

He said: “I am pleased that they have started on the main breach first and it gives us a little bit more positivity of what we can do next year.

“It had a big impact when half of the land you farm is not able to be used this year.

“It leaves us with challenging circumstances.

“We want proper communication from the EA and not a load of old waffle.”

Mr Tyrrell said that the last Government had a flood relief scheme but this was not available to farmers in this area as the River Welland was not included.

Crowland councillor Bryan Alcock had spoken out against the delays to repairs during the last South Holland District Council meeting and is pleased action is happening.

But he has also expressed concerns about the amount of reed in the river and the impact this will have on water flows in the rainy season.

Coun Alcock said: “I do understand that when organisations are short of cash, they have to prioritise things. I hope they will get on and clear it up.”

An EA spokesman said contractors had arrived on site on August 5 and removed the sandbags and sheeting which had been temporarily in place to block the hole.

The statement said: “Works have been completed to repair the berm, and the contractors are now rebuilding the cradge bank with layers of clay and geogrid (layers of membrane for reinforcement). We have been able to raise the River Welland levels above 2.85mAOD. There are no further planned changes to lower the water level on the River Welland.”

“Once this work is complete, they will begin works to the smaller breach and slip. Our current programme of works is scheduled for completion by mid-October.

“Environment Agency and Consultant Ecologists continue to monitor the site to raise any concerns and mitigate any possibly delays to the repair works. However, if you need to report an incident, please use our incident hotline: 0800 80 70 60.”

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