the argument

We support:

  • The maintenance of a vital road over the Topsham Flats linking Exeter and East Devon.
  • The protection of Topsham Bridge at Fishers Mill, the Bridge Inn, and other dwellings, structures and riverbanks from further erosion.
  • The local production of food and the continuance of our agricultural heritage.
  • The preservation of the Clyst Valley SSSI.
  • The Precautionary Principle; if in doubt, wait until there is a clear pattern before taking irreversible action.
  • The preservation of a classic piece of English landscape rather than satisfying an ill-conceived target set by a previous government with an appalling record of mishandling rural issues.
  • The need to reduce expenditure of public money on these unnecessary and unwanted projects.
  • The implementation of the Environment Agency's own guidelines. This includes the maintenance of defences where there is an economic reason to reduce the risk of flooding to people and property, and to maintain defences that are required to protect internationally designated environmental features.

We oppose:

  • A lack of transparency and meaningful consultation with the public. Most local people, users and lovers of the Clyst Valley have no knowledge of these projects. The public face of this project has been characterised by propaganda and half truths.
  • The destruction of a classic piece of English landscape that has been improved and remained largely unchanged over many years and is a gateway to the historic city of Exeter.
  • The destruction of a rich wildlife habitat in exchange for a local increase in a different one.
  • The idea that these projects can be categorically justified by climate change or that these projects should be used in mitigation for a loss of shoreline habitat that is a paper exercise.
  • The creation of flooded land that will provide a breeding ground for virulent mosquitoes.
  • The reduction of local food production and agricultural tradition in the Clyst Valley.
  • The notion of NIMBYism. The Clyst Valley is loved and used by locals and those from much further afield.
  • The Shoreline Management Plan: Unit 14 Railway to Clyst Bridge, and The Lower Clyst Project.

Act now! Contact your Councillors and MP.

Inaction will guarantee the destruction of the landscape we all know and love.

Contact us...

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