Burt Supports Uckinghall Flood Defences

1.57.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 20th Sep 2008

Local Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, Richard Burt is backing a bid from Uckinghall Flood Group for flood defences to protect residents who suffer from repeat flooding.

Mr Burt will write to every member of the Midlands Regional Flood Defence Committee asking them to approve funds from the local flood levy to protect the village at their quarterly meeting on 1st October, when they will decide which local flood defence schemes will receive money this year.

Richard spoke to Uckinghall Flood Group member, Judy Gibson and learned that around 20 properties in the village were severely flooded last year, with families from three homes still living in temporary accommodation.

"Uckinghall has flooded five times since 1945 and at least two properties are now uninsured. Studies by the Environment Agency have shown that by building a bund to girdle part of the village, these homes could be protected," said Richard.

"I will write to all the members of the Flood Defence Committee because it is vital that they understand the benefits of approving the scheme this year.

"At least half of the cost of the scheme would be saved if clay from the Upton Marina excavations is used to build the bund, reducing costs to a maximum of £350,000.

"This is a one off opportunity to use locally available materials and get the job done. Otherwise, I can see the scheme slipping down the priority list and not being completed for many years to come."

Mr Burt has been told that there is ample clay coming out of the marina at Upton to service this and both the Worcester and Upton flood defence projects.