COMMON sense and 'iota' of local knowledge are mentioned in your editorial on the repercussions of the breaching of Otley weir - Rivers running low after site damaged (Wharfedale Observer, December 17).
The truth is that there was and is a considerable amount of information to advise the developers in the face of the Wharfe's seasonal rises.
Firstly of course there are the expensive consultants reports on the wisdom or otherwise of certain actions at the riverside. The 'Flood Risk Assesment' runs to 42 pages alone and is a lesson in cause and effect.
Secondly, the historic story of the precarious mill and weir is told in my 2013 book 'Guide to the townscape of Otley'. Chapter 3, entitled 'Doles and Disasters' details the evolution of the site since its probable beginnings in the 12th century. The doles were sectional parts of the weir repairable by the tenants and the disasters were what is recorded in the archives since the 15th century and what has been repeated in the last few weeks. None of these high waters should hardly be a surprise to 21st century hydrological engineers.
Your proverbial house is not only built of sand on gravel, it is placed in the middle of a flood plain. It looks like manning the barricadses will always be a temporary measure.
Paul Wood
Garnett Street
Otley
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