DAVID HEATH UNDERLINES SOMERSET FLOODING CONCERNS TO MINISTER
11.23.00am GMT Fri 18th Dec 2009
Somerton and Frome MP, David Heath, yesterday (15th December)raised his concerns over flooding during a debate on the Flood and Water Management Bill. Mr Heath explained that flooding is an aspect of life that is faced routinely by some people in the Somerton and Frome constituency.
Mr Heath welcomed the bill, but asked the minister to consider the following points:
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Better cooperation between organisations, i.e.. the Environment Agency and Highways Agency when dealing with flooding risks with the A303 and other major roads
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Consultation with local people and authorities on building projects.
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Encouragement of local and voluntary efforts against flooding, i.e.. Identifying those who are vulnerable and at risk of flooding in the community.
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Training for the emergency services and for volunteers, and providing local equipment in areas prone to flooding.
David Heath also again brought up Countess Gytha School in Queen Camel. After being flooded often, the school was set to move to a new site, but the new county council is yet to confirm that they see it as a priority.
Mr Heath said:
It is vital that our communities, and that includes schools and services, are given the support they need to tackle flooding. We have a lot of experience of dealing with floods in Somerset, and some of the self-help schemes that have been developed in places like West Camel and Queen Camel are a model for elsewhere in the country. But we need government and the national agencies to give the support which will unlock local efforts and help to prevent flooding, or at least mitigate its effects and improve responses. The new bill goes some way in that direction, but I think we can do a lot more."
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