KEETCH: CASE FOR FLOOD DEFENCES STRONGER THAN EVER

12.00.00pm GMT Mon 9th Feb 2004

Paul Keetch, Lib Dem MP for Hereford, has said that the recent floods that struck Herefordshire have shown that the case for new flood defences on the Wye is "stronger than ever".

Mr Keetch, who requested and received reports on the measures taken to minimise flood damage by both Herefordshire Council and West Mercia Police, said that the local services had reacted well, but that problems would persist until there were appropriate flood defences.

"I am convinced that all the local authorities have done their best in difficult circumstances," the MP said. "But the disruption to people's lives and damage to people's property has further highlighted the need for flood defence on the Wye. Those stuck in the terrible traffic in Hereford,

or who have seen the flood water damage their property will feel that need most acutely.

"The response to the flooding seems by and large to have been successful, although there were clearly difficulties. I am sure that all the local services will be looking to see if there are any areas in which the flood response systems can be improved.

"These were serious floods, but they could have been even worse. I will be reporting details to the Minister responsible to make sure that he is aware of the scale of the problems.

"I thank the local authorities for their work, but flooding is going to continue being a major problem in Herefordshire until there are adequate flood defences in place. I will be pressing for them to arrive sooner rather than later."