Long Meadow in August Focus magazine

THE LONG MEADOW COMMUNITY GROUP'S MAIN QUESTION REGARDING THE PROPOSAL FROM THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY WITH REGARD TO THE STREAM RESTORATION OF BECTON BUNNY IN THE LONG MEADOW IS THAT WITHOUT TACKLING THE MAIN WATER POLLUTION AT SOURCE I.E. ROAD RUN OFF, IS THIS MODIFICATION GOING TO SOLVE THE POOR QUALITY IN THE BECTON BUNNY?
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ARTICLE IN THE AUGUST "FOCUS"

“Following the recent article in FOCUS and a presentation by the Environment Agency at the Amenities Committee, it is understood that local residents have a concern on these draft proposals.  The Environment Agency, facilitated by the Council, will be carrying out a public consultation during the last week of August.  The date will be published in the local press and it is hoped the venue will be the Scout Hut at Long Meadow.

To address some of the questions that have been asked:

The Becton Bunny has been extensively modified in the past, most noticeably, within Long Meadow where the Bunny now flows in a straight channel whereas it once meandered across the field.  These modifications have affected the quality of wildlife habitats, a situation, which has to be addressed in line with Water Framework Directive legislation.

At the moment, during and after heavy rain the stream water levels rise quickly.  By reinstating meanders (bends) the channel length will be increased significantly, providing more space for the same quantity of water to be stored and allowing it to flow more naturally.  The meanders (and vegetation to be planted) will also slow the water down as it moves downstream.  Grading the river banks will also increase storage capacity and reduce flooding risk.  A flood risk assessment for all of the proposed works will be taken before anything is done.

A geotechnical assessment of the ground conditions will also be undertaken before work is started, ensuring that there will be no risk of property subsidence due to excavations at Long Meadow.

There may be a short period of time where some areas of Long Meadow will be closed to the public, due to the safety implications of large machinery operating on site.  It is hoped much of the other works, such as planting, will be carried out by local volunteers, with full public access maintained.  Through on going water quality testing, the aim is to identify some of the causes of stream pollution.  This, together with the realignment and planting, will provide a much better habitat for nature and for enjoyment by the community. 

With regard to the new route of the stream, there are some restrictions due to existing infrastructure such as sewerage and water pipes.  Old maps, etc. will be studied to replicate the historic channel route as far as possible.  The proposed new route will incorporate both the existing willow trees and bridges on Long Meadow.                                                                        Councillor Geoff Blunden – Chairman of TC Amenities Committee

THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY, FACILITATED BY THE COUNCIL, WILL BE CARRYING OUT A PUBLIC CONSULTATION  AT THE SEA SCOUT HUT ON LONG MEADOW ON SATURDAY 24^TH AUGUST BETWEEN 10 am - 5 pm

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IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING PLEASE ATTEND AS THERE WILL BE A QUESTIONNAIRE TO COMPLETE AND IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT THAT THE EVALUATION OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION IS TRULY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMUNITY’S VIEW AND THEIR CONSIDERED OPINION ON THE PROPOSAL.

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If you are unable to attend the meeting or download the form online on the Environment Agency website and you wish to complete a questionnaire please contact 01425 610630

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