Farmers in policy plea to prevent floods

Farmers are demanding a change to government policy to help prevent vital land in the Fens being flooded as sea levels rise.

A new report by the National Farmers Union (NFU) calls for a programme of investment in flood defences in the area to help prevent the affects of climate change ruining agriculture in the region.

The report, Why Farming Matters In the Fens, was launched at an event held yesterday at the East of England Showground, in Alwalton.

It says that climate change poses a serious threat to the Fens.

There are predictions that sea levels could rise by up to 82cms by 2080 and this, combined with an increase in the frequency and intensity of storms, leaves the area in need of cash to help maintain and develop defences.