Burt and Hemming visit flood problems - Regional Flood Task Force Created

3.04.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 3rd Aug 2007

Lib Dem Regional Team Leader and Shadow Minister for the West Midlands John Hemming MP and West Worcestershire's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt visited the county yesterday to look at the problems caused by the floods.

"It is clear," said John Hemming, "that there are problems beyond those immediately of water damage. A lot needs to be done in helping businesses, residents and farmers in flood damaged areas get back on their feet. We have established a regional flood task force to look at this issue and come up with recommendations.

"The Environment Agency", said Richard Burt, "do not seem to deserve their bonuses. Some river channels have not been cleared for many years and there are questions as to whether inaction by the EA has exacerbated the problems of heavy rainfall across Worcestershire. Our regional flood project team will review how differently the EA and local authorities should behave to enable the West Midlands to cope more effectively with flooding."

The Lib Dem Regional Flood Task Force will consist of John Hemming MP, Jerry Evans (environment and climate change spokesman), Alan Beddow (housing), Lorely Burt MP (business) and Richard Burt (health), John Redfern (Local Government) and Sarah Carr (farming).