CAMERON PLAYS CATCH UP ON FLOOD DAMAGE

11.54.59pm GMT Thu 26th Jul 2007

West Worcestershire's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt said Upton would welcome David Cameron's visit this afternoon but questioned the wisdom of his decision to fly out to Rwanda over Monday and Tuesday when the flooding was at its worst.

"The Conservative Leader was absent from the House on both Monday and Tuesday leaving the Liberal Democrats to question the Government's handling of the crisis," said Richard Burt.

"Gordon Brown cut £15billion from flood defence budgets last August and just one month ago was arguing for further cuts. He has now pledged an extra £200 million but only over the next three years.

"There is a clear case for more immediate spending on flood defences and drainage infrastructure if we are to avoid the same misery being repeated on vulnerable homes and businesses year on year.

"It is also clear that Upton's temporary flood defences must be kept closer to where they are required and further reinforced if they are to remain effective."