Letter to the Secretary of State for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs from John Maples MP
I have recently met with representatives from
both Warwickshire County Council and Stratford on Avon District
Council to discuss the recent flooding which damaged over 2,000
properties, each with an estimated cost of between £10-£40k.
Both Warwickshire County Council and Stratford
on Avon District Council have agreed that the Environment Agency
needs to take a lead role in the co-ordination of flood prevention.
At the moment there seems to a lack of clear responsibility for
any flood defence work, and I, like many fear that this could
result in another flood, especially in light of climate change.
To really be able to examine the current situation, and to be
able to plan for the future it is necessary for a study to be
conducted looking at: what areas are at most risk; what can be
done to prevent future damage; the cost of such schemes; and the
cost effectiveness of such projects. At the moment neither Warwickshire
County Council nor Stratford on Avon District Council is able
to fund such a vital study and therefore it would require a government
grant. Warwickshire County Council would be willing to help co-ordinate
the other authorities, however they feel that the Environment
Agency would be the best authority to be the overall lead on such
a project.
I would also be grateful if you would agree
to meet with a delegation of Warwickshire MPs to discuss the effects
that the recent floods have had on the area, as well as to discuss
proposals for the future.
I look forward to hearing from you.
John Maples MP
October 2007
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