John Redwood today welcomed the Government’s announcement that Wokingham Borough Council and West Berkshire Council are to receive additional funding to help develop and maintain their flood defences.
The Department for Communities and Local Government has allocated £30.6 million through its Restoration Fund to help local authorities affected by the floods of June and July 2007. West Berkshire Council is to receive a grant of £491,854 and Wokingham Borough Council is to receive £310,244. The Minister responsible for allocating these funds has said there will be no strings attached on how local authorities decide to use this money, provided it is used to address issues related to flooding in the community.
Speaking about the announcement of the awards, John Redwood said: “I welcome the £801,000 extra for Wokingham Borough Council and West Berkshire Council. It is a shame it has taken so long for this to be forthcoming, and unacceptable that almost a year after the floods there are still people who have not received the proper assurances that action has been taken to prevent a repeat of similar incidences in the future.â€
“I hope both local authorities will now set out sensible schemes to help prevent future flooding. This must include a detailed breakdown of just who is responsible for each aspect of the flood defences, clearance and maintenance of the ditches and culverts, and an expansion of water capacity where this is sorely needed.â€
July 21, 2008
This looks to be a good thing, isn't it?
A footnote:
Here in the Fens, electricity keeps us dry from the sea and the flooding rivers. We have good pumping stations.
When they fail, when Brown's Gulf Electricity supplies in the North Sea made up of wind turbines supplant proper electricity generation, we are all gong to be several feet underwater even in the Marshland. Down at Ramsey, it will go up to about 30 ft.
So, in a way, I envy you!
March 25, 2009
Dam looks like less days off school for me