Target: Richard Fuller, Member of Parliament for North East Bedfordshire
Goal: Ensure swift action is taken to fix drainage issues that threaten animals and properties, and to provide long-term flood prevention solutions.
In a harrowing incident, smallholder Joanna Johnson was forced to rescue 50 of her animals as floodwaters surged into her small farm in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire. The banks of a drainage pond alongside the A421 burst after heavy rainfall, causing water levels to rise four to six feet in a matter of minutes. Thanks to the efforts of villagers who defied fire brigade instructions, all of the animals—Shetland sheep, goats, miniature ponies, chickens, and ducks—were saved, though many had to swim through the rapidly rising waters.
Despite this heroic rescue, Ms. Johnson and her animals remain precarious. Temporary shelters have been built, but more heavy rainfall is forecast, and the animals cannot be returned to their land due to the ongoing flooding risk. This is not the first time her smallholding has been affected with blocked drainage pipes cited as a contributing factor. Ms. Johnson claims no action has been taken to address the problem despite previous investigations. Put flood prevention measures in place to protect animals, property, and livelihoods in the area.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Richard Fuller,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent floods in Marston Moretaine, which threatened the lives of 50 animals at smallholder Joanna Johnson’s farm. Thanks to the quick actions of Ms. Johnson and the local villagers, the animals were saved, but this situation highlights an urgent problem that must be addressed.
It is troubling to hear that this is not the first time Ms. Johnson’s land has been flooded. Investigations have shown that drainage pipes connected to a nearby pond are blocked, yet no action has been taken to resolve this issue. With further heavy rainfall forecast, Ms. Johnson and her animals remain at risk.
I urge you to work with local authorities to immediately address the drainage problems and ensure that long-term flood prevention measures are implemented to protect animals and people in Marston Moretaine. This situation cannot continue, and the safety of animals and property must be a priority.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Gabriel
Instead of paying out huge bonuses to shareholders and executives, the local water company should repair the facilities that they have been WELL PAID to keep in a good state of repair by way of taxes etc. it is time that these privatised companies should be returned to public ownership, because private companies ALWAYS PUT PROFIT OVER THEIR OBLIGATIONS TO THOSE THEY ARE PAID TO SERVE, they serve themselves, not the public and this must stop. They use excuses like they need more money to repair old equipment, this is a RED HERRING! They have already factored into what they charge in taxes for such repairs, so now they want it twice! Greedy b@s#*ds!
I agree with Lesley completely!!! Well said!