Cllr Mick Lerry, Leader of the Labour Group on SDC and Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Bridgwater and West Somerset, says: “ Eric Pickles MP has now apologised to the communities on the Somerset Levels for the flooding and promises have been made about future funding. Now is the time for a comprehensive programme to be put in place, which will involve dredging, the build of the River Parrett Barrage and the managing of future flood events. European money will be helpful to achieve the necessary infrastructure work to be put in place, due to the impact of climate change but local authorities will need the Government money to bring about change.”
“The cost of the flooding will far out weigh the price to put the infrastructure in to protect the communities on the Somerset Levels in the future. The action plan needs to go much further than just dredging the rivers and waterways the River Parrett is the major outlet for water, which is flooding the land and during times of storms and high tides it is unable to cope with the volume water. The strategy for prevention is in place with The Parrett Catchment Project and Bridgwater Strategic Flood Defence Infrastructure Planning – Final Report, we just need the funding and resources to do the job.”
Cllr Mick Lerry – Leader of the Labour Group on SDC
Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Bridgwater and West Somerset
Mobile 07775905080
Email michael.lerry@btinternet.com