Worcester MP Robin Walker has responded to ongoing flooding in his constituency as the River Severn recovers from near-record high levels.
Robin has been liaising with residents, colleagues in government, Defra, council leaders and local officials to make the case for more support to households and businesses affected.
Water levels at the Barbourne measuring station reached their peak at 5.61 metres in the early hours of Thursday morning, with the river levels dropping very gradually after that. While most of the flooding has primarily affected areas on the floodplain, some households have unfortunately also been affected.
Following a question by Daniel Kawczinsky - whose Shrewsbury constituency is also affected by Severn flooding - Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the House of Commons on Wednesday: “We are working flat out to put the remediations in place, to help people who have suffered from flooding, but also investing £5.2 billion in the flood defences.”
Robin said:
“I have been in constant contact with residents, local officials, and colleagues in government to ensure the affected households receive the support they need. I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to continue with investments in flood defences for area. The fact that we have come so close to record levels yet again demonstrates that these are not the rare once in a generation events we used to expect and we need to plan to defend ourselves from flooding again.
“On Tuesday I met with the Minister responsible for flooding, Rebecca Pow, alongside colleagues in other affected areas. Together we agreed that there should be more support for households at this challenging time and we are continuing to work together to make the case for more support for residents.
“I know that this is very much an ongoing incident and I met residents today to discuss what further support is needed. I am grateful for the Hylton road flood defences and the newly raised level of the new road which have protected a number of homes and businesses and helped to keep the city bridge open. I met with the Environment Agency this afternoon to discuss what further work needs to be done.
“I am grateful to the emergency services for their vital work and all of those involved in the relief effort. My thoughts are with the families affected and I would encourage anyone requiring help to contact my office directly.”