KEETCH SAYS FLOOD SCHEME MUST GO AHEAD

6.50.23pm GMT Mon 19th Feb 2007

Hereford's MP Paul Keetch has spoken to representatives of the Environment Agency, the Flood Defence Campaign, Hereford Civic Society and Herefordshire Council about concerns over Hereford's proposed flood defence scheme.

Mr Keetch says that whilst "the details" of the scheme could still be looked at, nothing must be done to either delay the scheme or add to its costs.

"I appreciate that some people, including local architect, Garry Thomas, have their concerns about some details of the scheme, but I am determined that Hereford will get its flood defences on time and on cost," said Mr Keetch.

"The Environment Agency has assured me that they will look at any suggestions sympathetically, and I'm sure Herefordshire Council will do the same. The Royal Institute of British Architects appointed an Architectural Adviser for me and I will ask his view on what Garry Thomas suggests. I am prepared to seek any improvements that can be made to the schemes, and I'm sure that the Environment Agency would be happy to consider them, but any changes have to be within the agreed budget and cannot be allowed to delay the scheme.

"There has been some unwarranted criticism of some local Councillors which I want to disassociate myself with. At the end of the day the city needs this scheme and those who want changes must accept this general principle. If they do, we can go forward."