Although I have great sympathy for the people of Bevendean who have been affected by the flooding, I do not think it is fair to blame the farmer and farming practices.
Houses in this valley were built on farmland previously farmed by the present farmer's ancestors. This would have been some of their most fertile land, as soil is washed down from the surrounding hills in times of heavy rains to form fertile valleys.
Since the past can not be changed and the houses have been built, the main thing that must be done is to maintain the ditches and drainage systems. If these were regularly checked, I am sure the people of Bevendean would not have to suffer as they have again this year.
-V. Leniham, Brighton
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