We are not sure this is the case. What is clear is that not enough action has been taken to satisfy many people. That's because the kind of changes required to keep the flood waters at bay are immense and will not happen overnight. It will be a long term task to develop the kind of defences needed.

But at least the council has taken a pragmatic approach to ask the people of Sheffield to keep them on their toes by alerting the authorities to jobs which need doing. That kind of partnership helps target resources where they are most appreciated.

Will Blunkett tell us if show is a flop?
DURING his days in government, David Blunkett was known - and admired - for his straight talking. In that way he was able to show ordinary people he understood their concerns .

With that background, he makes an ideal candidate to front a tv show to coax young criminals back to the straight and narrow.

He assures us this will be no Big Brother style 'knockabout' show, though he cannot escape the fact that it must be entertaining to satisfy the thirst for viewing figures.

However, it will be interesting to see if any lessons can be learned. We're sure Blunkett will be the first to tell us.

Unleaded fairy
IN these cash strapped times, even the tooth fairy is feeling the effects of inflation. Once it would be a few pence the magnanimous sprite left for each lost milk tooth but now the average is £1.22, with some kids getting as much as a fiver! The poor fairy must be relieved that, with wings, she at least doesn't have to worry about filling her tank with petrol too!

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