Today, Lucy Allan MP was briefed by Rebecca Pow MP, the Environment Minister responsible for the Government’s flooding strategy. Along with other MPs whose constituencies are affected by flooding in the wake of the three consecutive storms Dudley, Eunice and Franklin, Lucy was briefed with the latest information from the Department for the Environment.
The consecutive storms seen over the past weeks have created uniquely challenging circumstances for those residents and businesses that are threatened by annual flooding. In the short-term, the Government is ensuring that funds are targeted to areas and agencies that require them most to manage the impact of potential flooding and that flood defences are appropriate for the threat posed by flooding.
Minister Pow has also assured Lucy that the Government is focused on the long-term sustainable management of the River Severn, ensuring that heavy rainfall does not repeatedly threaten lives and livelihoods on such a regular basis. This work takes time, but all Shropshire MPs have been making representations to Government to ensure that the Severn is efficiently managed along its entire course.
Lucy agrees with the difficult decision to evacuate some residents and properties to ensure that there is no risk to life from flooding. To ensure that the situation on the ground is relayed to decision makers, Lucy will continue to liaise with her colleagues in Government to work to protect Ironbridge Gorge.
Lucy has also issued a statement on the current situation here.
