It's only their houses that are flooded!

As the flooding situation within Somerset continues to give grave cause for concern, and dominating news headlines, not just here but also abroad, the cries of ‘too little too late’ echo ever louder. Swifter more effective action earlier on would certainly have been much more cost effective in the long term, and not just in monetary terms.

It is interesting to note that politicians are now very keen to jump on the bandwagon. Call me cynical, but I fear it has more to so with the upcoming election next year, and a fear of losing precious votes, rather than any real concern for us in the West Country. I don’t suppose any will dare show their faces for their summer holidays this year.
I’m no great defender of elected members, no matter what their political persuasion, but I do know first hand that any action taken has not been as a result of disinterest locally, by anyone at any level. It was only after public outcry, forced into the wider public domain by Somerset County Council leader John Osman, along with our local MPs, that the necessary assistance was forthcoming from wider a field. They at least deserve some credit for not giving up in their efforts to ensure appropriate action was taken, albeit rather too late.
Despite constant denial, it is quite clear that anything outside the direct orbit of London, and other large metropolitan cities, is considered second rate when it comes to funding levels. We all pay our taxes and deserve an equal share when it comes to capital investment. Perhaps this will now be forthcoming in providing improved flood defences, and ensuring that our rivers and streams remain free flowing.
However, this will surely be too late for the many whose homes and livelihoods have been destroyed, largely through no fault of their own.
I was absolutely astounded to hear someone say ‘They are only flooded houses. They are not losing life and limb are they?’ Clearly they had no real idea of the repercussions that such devastation, over such a prolonged period of time, can cause. Many of those affected will be unable to put the consequences of this behind them for some time, if at all.
One organisation that does at least have the right to raise its head high in the midst of all the angst is The Samaritans, where response was swift in providing that all important shoulder to cry on in a time of extreme stress. Likewise, Rotary clubs across the area put out a call for its members to muck in and help where they could to alleviate the suffering.
Practical help is what was needed, much earlier, but all of us can provide help in some small way if we take the time to think of others. One person that does need to consider their position is Owen Paterson, the Environment Secretary. I can appreciate the tough position the agency is in, with ever decreasing funding, but their approach towards handling this has been nothing short of appalling.