Despite heavy rainfall which saw the Mimram break its banks and flood farmers’ fields several weeks ago, the Environment Agency (EA) said there are no plans to dredge the ancient river.
A flood alert was issued for the River Mimram, and ancient chalk stream, on February 7 at Whitwell, Welwyn and Tewin.
The alert is less serious than a flood warning and typically sees impacts on low lying lands and roads.
It was removed the next day.
A spokeswoman for the EA said: “We currently do not have any plans to dredge the River Mimram.
“We recognise that many land owners, including farmers, require smaller watercourses to drain freely to allow sustainable crop growth.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for farmers to maintain rural watercourses themselves, whilst ensuring that wildlife and the environment are properly protected.”
Advice for land owners and farmers who have been affected by flooding can be found at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/policy/31740.aspx
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