KEETCH REQUESTS SILENCE FROM ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

5.14.34pm GMT Tue 24th Apr 2007

Paul Keetch MP has formally requested the Environment Agency not to discuss or make any future reference on the Hereford flood defence scheme until close of poll for the local elections next Thursday.

Mr Keetch explained, "I'm surprised that in discussions with the Environment Agency one of the spokesmen for the Hereford Campaign for Better Flood Defences has not formally told them that he is a candidate in the forthcoming local elections.

"Secondly that he is proposing a planning application to a body to which he is seeking to be elected and, thirdly, as a resident in property by the riverside, this same man has a financial interest regarding the flood defence scheme which he has formally registered with the local Council.

"It is only right that the Environment Agency do not conduct any dialogue until the elections are concluded," Mr Keetch added.