MEP DEMANDS ACTION FOR STRICKEN REGION

4.50.06pm GMT Mon 23rd Jul 2007

Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne has called on local councils to review their drainage maintenance policies and for Gordon Brown to give the Environment Agency more resources for flood relief works all over the River Severn Catchment Area as well as the River Avon.

The Euro MP also stepped up her call for emergency relief from the EU's Solidarity Fund for the stricken West Midlands region, following her question to the European Commission and a letter to Hazel Blears MP, the Minister responsible for the regions after the last set of floods in June.

Liz has also criticised the Government for failing to supply adequate resources for flood protection and drainage after it emerged that Gordon Brown last year reduced funding for flood protection by £14million. Liz was herself stranded in her Worcestershire village over the weekend as flooding engulfed the West Midlands.

Speaking from Stratford upon Avon today Liz said:

"The West Midlands is once again feeling the brunt of severe weather hitting the UK - how much more damage will it take for us to be better prepared? Not only do we need emergency national funding, I have once again urged the Government and the European Commission to look at whether EU money is available. I am hopeful the EU will now see this as a large scale emergency as it is and deliver much needed funds for the region."

"Here, two things need to happen. First local councils must mount an urgent review of maintenance policies for existing drainage systems, drains, roadside gulleys, culverts and local watercourses under their control. I understand that in many areas roadside culverts used to be cleared four times a year, but now it is only done on 'a needs basis' to save money. Many of the flash floods we saw last week were made worse due to blocked drains.

"Secondly, we need to ensure that Gordon Brown gives the Environment Agency more resources so it can speed up delivery of the plans outlined in the River Severn Catchment Flood Management Plan and the Scoping Reports which preceded it. It is a scandal that so little has been done. Upton on Severn for example has been let down by having to rely on a temporary system which failed its first serious test. Most of Shrewsbury Town Centre is still unprotected.

"With threats to life and property on this scale, no options should be ruled out and this includes looking at whether the Severn and other rivers including the Avon need to be dredged so they can move more water at times of flood."

"As Chancellor - Gordon Brown failed to see this coming and listen to climate change warnings - unbelievably cutting the flood defense budget by £14 million last summer"