Case Study- Morpeth

Question 1

where is Morpeth?

Answer 1

it is located on the river wansbeck 15miles north of Newcastle in the North East of England

Question 2

Why was management required in Morpeth?

Answer 2

•the river valley was narrow and steep
•increased urbanisation so water would have drained directly into river channel
•ground was saturated from last summer
•prolonged rainfall

Question 3

what was done to manage the river?

Answer 3

•floodgates were put in place in areas that were particularly susceptible to flooding. They can be closed in the event of flooding
•Mitford dam was put in place to store water upstream and release it in a controlled way to prevent flooding.
•Lowford Bridge was put in place catching poles to trap debris to prevent them from blocking bridges

Question 4

what were some social issues with the management?

Answer 4

•locals were unhappy about damns being built on their land and Mitford state was paid compensation
•7 houses in Wansbeck street have not been protected, cost would have been 1million, locals unhappy

Question 5

what were some economic issues with the management?

Answer 5

•the cost of the scheme was £25million which was 5million over the original estimate
•the Morpeth flood action group are working hard to reduce insurance premiums for people living near the river

Question 6

what were some environmental issues with the management?

Answer 6

•the native white clawed cray fish had been moved by hand to a new location for conservation
•the flood walls were designed so they fitted the historic image of the town