23^rd January 2008

MARTYN JONES MP PRESSES FOR GREATER FLOOD SUPPORT 

In response to the recent flooding incidents in parts of North Wales, including Bangor on Dee, Martyn Jones MP has stressed the need for all relevant parts of government to make flood defences a top priority.

Mr Jones has written to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, stressing the requirement that the lessons of the 2007 floods should be learned and learned quickly. Mr Jones will also attend a meeting with the National Flood Forum tonight to look into alternative options in fighting flooding and to see what more can be done.

Mr Jones stated, “To the people of Wales this issue matters a great deal. People have only just recovered from the nightmarish situation facing them in 2007. Homes were destroyed and the devastation was enormous. People want to know what are we doing and can they themselves do more.

Whilst it will take time to put together a comprehensive new defence in line with the Pitt Report it is vital to know that we are in a position right now to do better should the waters rise again.

Anyone who wishes to know whether they are at any risk of flooding or wishes to know more about proactive measures they can take should take a moment to look at the National Flood Forum website at www.floodforum.org.uk.

This is an issue which is likely to be with us for some time. And it is now essential that we all work together to combat the threat as best we can.”