Godmanchester: Flood defences

I READ with interest the article by Max Evans that the flood defences in Godmanchester are to be built at a cost of �11million. It was only a short while ago that they were going to cost �6m. The explanation by the EA for the increase was that the orig

I READ with interest the article by Max Evans that the flood defences in Godmanchester are to be built at a cost of �11million.

It was only a short while ago that they were going to cost �6m. The explanation by the EA for the increase was that the original figure was for 'construction only'. Is it no wonder that we taxpayers have little or no confidence in such organisations as the EA when its 'highly qualified, university educated engineers and accountants' seem incapable of putting together a properly costed scheme from the outset.

On this evidence by the time the scheme is completed in two or three years, the cost will be approaching �20m and in my view the taxpayers in the county would gain greater value for money if this was spent preventing the annual flooding on the A1123 at Earith.

Flooding in Godmanchester happens very rarely, the last time was from all reports in 1947, since then the causes seem to have occurred due to surface water being unable to drain into the river or drainage courses being blocked. This new scheme is unlikely to cure this problem.

The Mayor of Godmanchester refers to some 500 houses at risk - I have yet to see any information published indicating where these houses are. There appears to be some 100 houses that directly back onto the river. Also there some relatively new houses that have been built on land that has regularly flooded for 30 plus years which the EA is now proposing to protect.

MIKE GILLETT

Bergamont Close

Godmanchester