LOCAL MP PUTS PRESSURE ON GOVERNMENT TO ACT ON FLOOD DEFENCE

2.00.00pm GMT Thu 5th Feb 2004

Lib Dem MP for Hereford Paul Keetch has received assurances from the Leader of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Peter Hain MP, that the Government will listen to the calls for flood defences for Hereford.

The MP has also been in contact with the private office of Floods Minister Elliot Morley MP and is due to meet representatives of the Environment Agency in Hereford on Friday 6th February.

Mr Keetch raised the issue in the House of Commons on the 5th February and was assured by the Mr Hain that the Government was taking all possible steps to alleviate the current situation and that the Secretary of State for the Environment would be receptive to any further representations on the issue.

"I am glad that Government is listening to my concerns," Mr Keetch said. "I have raised this issue on many occasions, including with the Prime Minister. I am convinced that the more people high-up in Government that are made aware of the urgent need for flood defences in Hereford, the greater the likelihood that we can get things done.

"The Minister responsible is currently in India on Departmental business, but his office assured me that he has been made aware of the situation and has arranged for representatives from the Environment Agency to come and meet me in Hereford.

"I understand that the feasibility study currently underway must be allowed to finish - it's no use having a flood defence system that doesn't work. But we do need action fast, and I will keep the pressure on the Government to ensure that we get it."