Ross on Wye flood alleviation scheme would be being built now says Minister

4.46.40pm GMT Tue 7th Nov 2006

Paul Keetch MP in Hereford supporting the campaign for flood defences for the city

West Midlands Liberal Democrats MP Paul Keetch has been told by a Government Minister that the much needed Ross on Wye flood alleviation scheme would be being built now, but for a blunder by Herefordshire Council.

At a meeting last night between Paul Keetch and the Minster for Climate Change & Environment, Ian Pearson MP, The Minister confirmed that the Government would have proceeded with the scheme agreed by them in 2004, if it had cost the original £5.1 million quoted by Herefordshire Council. However when detailed plans were submitted later by the Council, the cost had jumped by an additional £1.3 million.

"I have no doubt that had this scheme been able to go ahead at its original cost of £5.1million then it would be underway by now," said Paul Keetch .

"The Minister has promised me that his officials will try to determine why Herefordshire Council increased the cost of the scheme so much, but I can quite understand why Central Government won't foot the extra costs. If you get a quote from someone to do something and they quote you £5.1million, you're unlikely to welcome an additional £1.3million on the bill at a later date.

"The scheme is still in the Environment Agency budget for 2007 or 2008, but I am bound to say that the Minister could give me no guarantees that other schemes might go ahead of the Ross one if they are deemed to become more important. I have a terrible feeling we might have missed the boat!

"I am awaiting further information from DEFRA, but I'm now considering asking the Council if they can find the additional funds which could ensure the scheme will go ahead more quickly. After all it's due to the Council's miscalculation in the first place that the people of Ross are left waiting and wondering when this situation will be resolved."