DAMP SQUIB

Representatives of the Environment Agency met Brigg town councillors last night in the Angel Suite - behind closed doors, in private, and at some length, to discuss flooding and how it might be avoided.
Was this in camera because the Agency had issues or information it did not think should reach the ears of public?
All very strange. People (often wrongly) get suspicious when things are discussed in private.
However, back in the days of the old Anglian Water Authority, in the early 1980s, at the very same venue (then the Angel Hotel ballroom), top management of the AWA were given a huge public dressing down.
You may recall how heavy spring rain caused a rapid rise in the level of the Ancholme, and caused widespread flooding throughout the valley, with a number of farms very badly affected.
People wanted to know why the AWA appeared to have been caught out? Why weren't the sluice gates at Ferriby able to run off enough water quickly enough?
I've attended more public meetings than some folk have had hot dinners, but this one stands out on its own for the anger expressed at officials.
The conclusion was factors conspired to produce a situation only to be expected once a century - or longer.
Considering it's just above sea level, and close to the Ancholme (connected to the Humber), Brigg hasn't faired badly in terms of flooding from the river. There has been bank strengthening in years gone by, near Manley Gardens, and other improvements.
Probably nothing radical was discussed, or revealed, at last night's meeting. But it would have been nice to have the opportunity to make my own mind up on whether the information being imparted was newsworthy - or not.