Brook group talks with EA

The Ruscombe Brook Action Group met this evening for a talk by retired Environment Agency Officer, Bill Blake. He gave us many insights into his work and relationships with other agencies. It was interesting to hear that some years ago members of our group would have been labelled "Continuous Complainers"!

Photo: Randwick tributary coming from top left corner of photo plus Cashes Green and More Hall Convent

We also learnt that Stroud was so effective at dealing with sewage incidents in the early 90s that they became the first Council nationally to be sacked as agents for sewage - in their place a much less effective system was put - nationwide our sewage system is in urgent need of action. Bill was able to share many intersting stories and his passion for getting the right solutions shone through. In the past he has also helped Water 21 and RBAG when they set up the Archway School water testing project.

We also learnt that local Freddie Whittacker, who helped set up the testing project and attended various RBAG meetings was recently voted into Gloucestershire County Youth Council - he holds the Environment portfolio.

RBAG also celebrated this evening the news that we can proceed with setting up of a partnership and accept Water 21s offer of £3,000 plus to develop plans for the brook - see blog for 2nd February 2007.

Photo: Archway School towards Whiteshill - Ruscombe brook runs from two-thirds up the left handside of photo down following the hedge/trees across the bottom of the photo

There was plenty of discussion about ways forward: plus planning our AGM meal and another public event - hopefully a talk on 25th April on the 'Mysteries of Water' - more details to follow when venue confirmed. Our RBAG website has now been transferred to a new site - same address - link in column on right-hand side of this blog. The new site will hopefully allow more of us to update it but first there is the task of putting back all the old info - please bear with us!