TEME AND KYRE BROOK CHANNELS TO BE IMPROVED - BURT

4.45.54pm GMT Mon 23rd Jul 2007

West Worcestershire's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt has received assurances from the Environment Agency that an urgent review is being carried out to see how river maintenance and flood defence work can be improved after the devastating floods in Tenbury Wells.

Mr Burt asked the Environment Agency to pay particular attention to the channel of the Kyre Brook that runs through the town, claiming that it had not been cleared for many years and he has received confirmation that The Agency are planning to carry out maintenance on this watercourse at the end of August.

Richard Burt said:

"It's a bit like shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted, but I am glad that urgent remedial work will be carried out on the channel of Kyre Brook. It is something that should have been done routinely.

"Extra government money promised for river maintenance must also be put to good use on the channel of the River Teme as soon as possible.

"I asked The Agency to consider flood defences for Tenbury and I am very disappointed that the response has been negative. The Agency's own feasibility report back in 2004 said defences could be economically viable, so why after this summer's floods are they not prepared to review their decision?"