Countryfile viewers slam BBC for ‘scaremongering’ after ‘doom and gloom’ report from Tom Heap
COUNTRYFILE viewers bashed the BBC for “scaremongering” after a “doom and gloom” segment from Tom Heap in the latest episode.
The subject of this week’s show, Vanishing Villages, was rising sea levels and its wide-ranging effects.
One particular presenter, Tom Heap, who viewers at home dubbed a “doom lord” for spreading “doom,” caused people to lose patience with him.
The programme also looked at how extreme weather along England’s east coast caused homes to be damaged. It also examined the wider effects and threat this poses to regional economies.
Giving some information on the worrying scenario, Tom said: “A third of the Fens is below sea level, making it one of the UK’s flattest and lowest-lying regions, he said.
He explained: “It’s been predicted that within 80 years, rising sea levels could change the shape of the coastline here completely.
“And that risks practically all of it – including where I’m standing now – being submerged.
Viewers were shown footage that highlighted the 320 deaths caused by the 1953 storm surge in the region.
The BBC presenter continued: “The threat of the sea is nothing new here, keeping it out is a constant battle, suing drainage channels, manmade rivers, and automated pumping stations, but these defences haven’t always held.”
The farming in The Fens was left in ruins for many years, and an additional 40,000 people were rendered homeless.
Many viewers took to Twitter to complain about Tom’s “scaremongering”.
One wrote: “This episode was so dead.”
Another penned: “Was this episode of Countryfile directed by Tom? It’s full of doom & gloom.”
A third added: “This episode is so bloody miserable! I’ve switched off.”
A fourth complained: “”Oh no Tom’s been let loose. Be prepared for #countryfile doom!”
Countryfile continues on Sunday at 8pm on BBC One.