Flooding on the marshes - an Old Seatonian's recollection

I have received the following letter from a n elderly correspondent who has lived in Seaton all his life and who does not have a computer but who wishes his views to be more widely known.

It is good to know from this letter that not all newcomers are seen as “do gooders who don’t know what is best for Seaton” (a direct quotation from Mr Bob Buskin to the Midweek Herald two weeks ago). For those who do not know Mr Buskin, he is a local councillor and former chair of the Town Council who is also the local representative of Liatris Holdings Ltd (or whatever the main developer is currently called since they have had at least three changes of names since they bought the site).

The original of this letter is available to view as is the name and address of the correspondent. Some parts of the letter make specific allegations against certain groups so I have had to edit out those portions of the letter as I cannot verify these allegations.

It is interesting that this gentleman has seen the effect of severe flooding on the marshes at least 5 times in his lifetime. We had been considering the effect of raising the flood plain on areas such as Harbour Road, but, of course, with a “mega-marsh” project we should be also considering this area too. Perhaps it will be found that making the “mega marsh” safe for visitors will also not be viable - or might get washed away – what then? The rest of the land will then have been built on so we could have a situation where we have neither mega-marsh nor community facilities.

Dear Sandra

As a boy in Seaton before the war, and remembering a much more vibrant town half the size as today, I feel very strongly that you deserve a medal for all your work and effort, time and organisation on Seaton’s and our behalf and for us; [you] know what you are talking about.

As you have found out [there follows a bit that might be considered libellous so I have edited it out here] some groups do not give a damn about Seaton. I could give you a few examples [editing here] ….., e.g. why Pecorama went to Beer instead of being in Seaton.

Now we come to the so-called Marshes regeneration. What rubbish! How many of our rulers have seen the lower end of Seaton really flooded, I wonder. I have seen it at least five times. Who is going to be responsible when they can’t even find the keys to the sea gates [and they]turned up 25 miles away, too late – EDDC again. One only has to push a stick down about a foot and be in water on the marshes. …. Perhaps they should consider this when the [whole area] is developed.

No wonder the meeting on 15^th November was at Sidmouth. Even because of your efforts they did not come to Seaton.

Yours very sincerely