THE controversial works undertaken last year to clear the River Lugg in Kingsland may have prevented flooding during Storm Christoph, say local councillors.

Local farmer John Price was at the centre of a huge local national row in December after pictures were published showing a bank of the river bulldozed clear of vegetation.

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust said at the time that an “enchanting” reach of the river and its banks had been straightened and reprofiled into a sterile canal, with wildlife habitats obliterated.

But Mr Price claims the work he has done on the riverbanks is legal and it is meant to save local homes from flooding.

UPROAR AT LUGG:

Ward councillor Sebastian Bowen said the situation had improved in Kingsland.

“The bridge has more capacity now and those houses have not been flooded,” he said.

Hereford Times: Farmer John Price at the river Lugg site that he cleared of vegetationFarmer John Price at the river Lugg site that he cleared of vegetation

“They have been OK this year thank heavens as we had a lot of rain this week. That’s a plus.

“The reality is it is much improved. People have been quite impressed with what has been done.

“People have stopped and said it was a good job that has been done.

“I talked to the Environment Agency having walked bits of the River Arrow.

OTHER NEWS:

“Some of the river there is in a disgraceful condition. One of the arches there of the Arrow Mill bridge is blocked as well.

“The last time they did anything was 15 years ago. It’s in serious need of wood taken out and banks of silt removing.

“But will they ever get round to doing it? I don’t know.

Hereford Times: The destruction of the river and its banks, home to crayfish, otters and salmon, lampreys and dragonflies and some rare river wildlife, was a crime against nature, the chief executive of the Herefordshire Trust Helen Stace, pictured, said.The destruction of the river and its banks, home to crayfish, otters and salmon, lampreys and dragonflies and some rare river wildlife, was a crime against nature, the chief executive of the Herefordshire Trust Helen Stace, pictured, said.

“The water should be flowing properly but it is being obstructed.”

He said the Environment Agency may be underfunded and do not have the people to do the work.

The Environment Agency is yet to publish any findings of its investigations into the work conducted at Kingsland.

The agency has been approached for comment.