Andrew Percy MP

Andrew Percy MP

Member of Parliament for Brigg & Goole and the Isle of Axholme

Andrew Demands Flood Defence Improvements

Andrew spoke last week in a debate on flooding in the House of Commons.  He has demanded funding for Reedness and South Ferriby flood defences be brought forward.

In 1998 the Environment Agency (EA) first highlighted the need for improvements in the defences at Reedness and this was delayed by the EA under the last Government. In 2008 the Humber Flood Management Strategy, which covers the River Ouse, was completed and again identified Reedness and South Ferriby as needing improvements, but there was still a failure to set a real time frame for this to happen. 

The EA have accepted improvements need to be made and Andrew has demanded that everything possible be done to bring plans forward.

Andrew Percy says, “Since 1998, various agencies and Government Departments have dillydallied over the flood defences and ultimately failed to deliver. It’s simply not good enough that this has been delayed for such a long time after being identified for improvement. I raised this in the House of Commons and made clear it’s now time for the Government and EA to do everything possible to bring the identified improvements forward.

"North Lincs Council and Council Leader, Cllr Liz Redfern, recently committed £5 million to flood defence works and the hope is that this can be used to unlock match-funding from agencies such as the Environment Agency to improve and strengthen defences. 

“We have seen considerable improvements to river banks locally since 2010, including at Swinefleet, Rawcliffe Bridge, Burringham and Gunness. Residents quite rightly want the identified issues at addressing and I am doing all I can to support them. I am also working with Environment Agency to see if there are any innovative ways in which this funding can be brought forward."

 

 

Posted in Articles on