The farmer, 66, was widely criticised and the Environment Agency has launched an urgent investigation into the matter. Local residents said they had asked the Environment Agency to clear the blocked river to prevent more flooding, but their appeals failed. The Environment Agency said it was taking the matter 'very seriously' and had launched an urgent investigation. 'The Environment Agency were asked again and again to sort the river out but it didn't happen. Yesterday, 14 officials from agencies including the Environment Agency, the Forestry Commission, West Mercia Police and Herefordshire Council descended on the scene.

Source: Daily Mail December 05, 2020 15:15 UTC