Farron seeks Ministerial assurance on flooding strategy

3.00.00pm GMT Wed 23rd Jan 2008

Having seen many of south lakelands roads - especially the A6 at Heversham - under water, and experienced at first hand the impact of flooding on our rail network, local MP Tim Farron is today seeking reassurance from the Department for Communities and Local Government that there are effective strategies in place to cope with the increasing threat of flooding to our communities. The Environment Agency has responsibility for protecting homes from flooding, but it is up to the highways authorities, education authorities, Network Rail and the utility companies to ensure that they protect people from flood risk in each of their areas.

Mr Farron tabled a parliamentary question to Hazel Blears asking if flood threat guidelines have been issued to Local Education Authorities, The Highways Agency and Network Rail, along with several other interested parties.

Tim Farron said:

"Climate change is only likely to increase the frequency and severity of flooding over the coming years, so it is hugely important that the Government has its eye on the ball on this issue.

"Organisations like local education authorities (who need to protect our schools), the Highways Agency and Network Rail need to be well prepared for floods and the Government has a responsibility that they have all the necessary information. The evidence of this week shows that many of them are extremely badly prepared."