The Environment Agency has written to residents and landowners along the River Lim in Lyme Regis saying they will no longer maintain the river. The notice would come into effect from the end of December.
The Agency has been carrying out vital work removing vegetation, including controlled invasive species, and other routine maintenance.
This means big and small landowners (from farmers to the houses on each side of the banks) will need to secure the correct permissions, organise and fund the work themselves.
The effect of the removal of maintenance – blamed on a shift in priorities and lack of resources – could lead to the river being blocked in places, and flooding which is already a problem becoming worse.
Rob Thomas, from River Lim Action whose garden borders the river, said: “Most people living or owning land by the river will find this challenging, if not impossible. The maintenance requires specific equipment and skills. The maintenance has to be done from in the river, which is dangerous in itself and in places the river can be quite deep. Some probably won’t bother to do anything at all, but those that do decide to take on the challenge will be placing themselves at risk. We question whether transferring this responsibility to individuals who might not be able to cope with it is legal”.
River Lim Action is gathering information from those who’ve received the letter about the impact this will have on them and their concerns about the river. Please let us know: [email protected]
