24 July 2007
Local MP visits flood damaged constituents.
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown yesterday visited flood damaged areas throughout the Cotswolds, to meet with local residents and District Councillors, and to assess for himself the results of recent flooding, and the local recovery efforts.
Mr Clifton-Brown said:
“I visited a great many of the worst affected areas in the Cotswolds, and was dismayed by the damage, but heartened by the reaction everywhere I visited. I am heartened by the way in which local communities have pulled together to help each other in the face of such adversity.”
“In Whelford, near Lechlade, several homes suffered severe flooding but the community spirit was very strong”
“I was dismayed by the damage in Fairford, and during my visit it was clear that the water was still rising. The A417 and the bridge into Fairford were still blocked, and I witnessed some extremely distressing scenes, including sewage mixing with water in people’s homes. I share local resident’s anger, but again, the community spirit in the face of this disaster was heartening and resolute. I very much hope that the emergency rescue plan can continue to halt any further damage.”
Mr Clifton-Brown also visited Bourton-on-the-Water, where the Windrush, which runs parallel to the High Street, had flooded the Greens and reached several shops and ruined several homes. “In view of the events, I was relieved that the damage, while still severe, was not as bad as it could have been.”
“In Moreton, the damage to homes, particularly those near the Railway track was severe, and the majority of shops and homes along the High Street were ruined. It is a tragedy that several hotels and our shops will be out of action for a long time to come”.
“Chipping Campden seemed well on its way to recovery.” The main areas of damage were in the West and North Ends, where the Cambrook had burst its banks. “Water levels are lowering, and I am hopeful that the excellent recovery plan will continue to be effective.”
“I am taking this opportunity to pay tribute to both local residents, and the Emergency Services – whose sterling efforts were beyond the call of duty. The District Councillors also seemed to be very aware of those suffering in their communities, and I am grateful for their help with the various visits I made. Chipping Campden in particular has made excellent progress toward restoring normality, and I will be leading the charge at Westminster to ensure that interim funding comes quickly for our blighted communities. I am determined to ensure that Bellwin Scheme funding is established both in the immediate and longer terms. I also believe it is important that an investigation is conducted into each category of flooding, and what lessons need to be learnt for the future.”
He concluded:
“All of Gloucestershire has suffered as a result of flooding, and while some areas of Gloucester or Tewkesbury have been on the national news, my large and rural constituency has also suffered in disparate locations. This does not reduce the individual suffering involved when one’s house and possessions are ruined.”
Geoffrey Clifton-Brown yesterday visited flood damaged areas throughout the Cotswolds, to meet with local residents and District Councillors, and to assess for himself the results of recent flooding, and the local recovery efforts.
Mr Clifton-Brown said:
“I visited a great many of the worst affected areas in the Cotswolds, and was dismayed by the damage, but heartened by the reaction everywhere I visited. I am heartened by the way in which local communities have pulled together to help each other in the face of such adversity.”
“In Whelford, near Lechlade, several homes suffered severe flooding but the community spirit was very strong”
“I was dismayed by the damage in Fairford, and during my visit it was clear that the water was still rising. The A417 and the bridge into Fairford were still blocked, and I witnessed some extremely distressing scenes, including sewage mixing with water in people’s homes. I share local resident’s anger, but again, the community spirit in the face of this disaster was heartening and resolute. I very much hope that the emergency rescue plan can continue to halt any further damage.”
Mr Clifton-Brown also visited Bourton-on-the-Water, where the Windrush, which runs parallel to the High Street, had flooded the Greens and reached several shops and ruined several homes. “In view of the events, I was relieved that the damage, while still severe, was not as bad as it could have been.”
“In Moreton, the damage to homes, particularly those near the Railway track was severe, and the majority of shops and homes along the High Street were ruined. It is a tragedy that several hotels and our shops will be out of action for a long time to come”.
“Chipping Campden seemed well on its way to recovery.” The main areas of damage were in the West and North Ends, where the Cambrook had burst its banks. “Water levels are lowering, and I am hopeful that the excellent recovery plan will continue to be effective.”
“I am taking this opportunity to pay tribute to both local residents, and the Emergency Services – whose sterling efforts were beyond the call of duty. The District Councillors also seemed to be very aware of those suffering in their communities, and I am grateful for their help with the various visits I made. Chipping Campden in particular has made excellent progress toward restoring normality, and I will be leading the charge at Westminster to ensure that interim funding comes quickly for our blighted communities. I am determined to ensure that Bellwin Scheme funding is established both in the immediate and longer terms. I also believe it is important that an investigation is conducted into each category of flooding, and what lessons need to be learnt for the future.”
He concluded:
“All of Gloucestershire has suffered as a result of flooding, and while some areas of Gloucester or Tewkesbury have been on the national news, my large and rural constituency has also suffered in disparate locations. This does not reduce the individual suffering involved when one’s house and possessions are ruined.”
