Echo editor: Agency chairman Chris Smith's 'new kind of rain' is a worry

ENVIRONMENT Agency chairman Chris Smith may well be causing a storm in his own right with his comments on rain.

According to Lord Smith, changes in the patterns of precipitation mean we are experiencing prolonged downpours which is filling up our rivers and reserves.

This quote about 'a new kind of rain' does appear to sound like something off a satire show like Twenty Twelve, but what he means by this is that we must be prepared for the fact the weather patterns are changing.

Certainly if the experiences in Gloucestershire are anything to go by, prolonged rain has been a definite feature of late.

Father and Son Photoshoot - only £45

FilmPhoto.co.uk

View details

Print voucher

The father and son relationship is special, catch that perfect bond at a special photoshoot for them.
* 1 Hour Photoshoot Experience
* Makes your men look hunky
* Includes A4 Print

Terms: 1 per household
1 Adult and up to 3 children
May purchase additional images as prints or digital

Contact: 01242 509358

Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013

Persistent downpours have fallen on already saturated ground, leading to flooding once again in across many parts of the county.

Not only does this new rain pattern mean the Environment Agency needs to do more, but it is even more vital the issue of flood insurance is resolved.

Ministers have failed to reach an agreement with the insurance industry over providing cover which people can afford.

All the while, businesses such as Samantha Snape's pub are being affected by the downpours.

This is people's homes and livelihoods and it is time for less talking and more delivering.

BY their very nature, a youth shelter will attract groups of teenagers looking for something to do.

While we do not wish to tar all those who use the shelter with the same brush, it seems the activities of some are very far from what their parents would condone.

It is extremely worrying to see the evidence of their activities comes in the form of what is thought to be drugs packets and the odd contraceptive.

For Sylvia Hughes, it comes as no surprise as she said she believes the shelter was never going to attract the well-behaved children.

It would certainly be unfair to take away the shelter, which only opened in December just because of the inappropriate behaviour of some.

Perhaps community leaders and the police need to use the fact this is a captive audience congregating at the shelter to make them more aware of the dangers of drugs and what is appropriate behaviour.