ÖPIK MAKES COMMONS CALL TO FIND FLOODING SOLUTIONS FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY (Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats)

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Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

ÖPIK MAKES COMMONS CALL TO FIND FLOODING SOLUTIONS FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY

December 17, 2008 4:25 PM

Following the publication of the Government's response to the Pitt Report into the Flooding of 2007, Lembit Öpik, Liberal Democrat MP for Montgomeryshire, again brought to the attention of the Secretary of State the concerns of many of his constituents that rural areas could be deliberately flooded to save more populated urban areas further downstream.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Lembit said:

"Settlements such as Llandrinio, Crew Green, Meifod, Bettws, Tregynon and Caersws have always lived with flooding. However, these communities are concerned they could be deliberately flooded more often in order to protect larger conurbations downstream. Can the Secretary of State confirm rural communities will not be sacrificed for the sake of towns and cities and that instead we will find creative solutions which work for town and country alike?"

Commenting on the Government's statement, he said:

"I welcome the Government's commitment to place local authorities at the helm of flooding protection plans.

"I remain concerned that the more densely populated areas will take precedent over sparser rural areas when it comes to implementing the recommendations of the Pitt Report. I am yet to hear the clear dismissal of this idea.

"The Secretary of State is keen to ensure that creative solutions are found for the benefit of all constituents. It is my hope that we can continue to explore all the possibilities of flood protection without putting rural areas at unnecessary risk of flooding."