Liz Lynne MEP

Euro-MP welcomes Worcestershire flood barriers

A Worcestershire Euro-MP and resident has welcomed today's announcement to install the UK's first removable flood barriers in Bewdley.

Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne commented:

"Bewdley was one of the worst affected areas during the 2000 floods. I have long been calling for the Environment Agency to take preventative action to stop it from happening again. However, it has taken two years for us to reach this stage, and work on protecting other affected towns has not even begun."

"When I left for Brussels earlier this week, the Severn was already looking distinctly swollen, so this trial has not come a moment too soon. Global warming is now with us to stay, and thus flood protection and prevention needs to be placed at the heart of government planning."

"The Liberal Democrats' Action Plan for Flood Defence in England and Wales."

"2000 saw the most extensive floods in England and Wales since 1947. Approximately 10,000 properties were flooded, and the cost of damage was in the order of £1bn. (Lessons Learned, Environment Agency, Autumn 2000)"

"Liberal Democrat Proposals."

"1. A National Task Force To Create An Integrated Flood Management Plan:"

"We would set up, with immediate effect, a National Task Force, as part of a wider assessment of water management and supply, which would also look at issues relating to drought and water extraction, to review arrangements and funding for flood defence management and response. This process would be used to introduce an integrated flood management plan, in which planning measures would be used to control future developments taking place on floodplains and improve standards of drainage from both urban and rural (particularly agricultural) land use. The National Task Force would seek to implement a National Flood insurance programme, to provide assistance where flooding occurs."

"2. Environment Agency To Take Overall Responsibility For Flood Defence Management And Funding:"

"We would ensure that the Environment Agency takes overall responsibility for flood defence management and planning, providing it with the power, responsibility and resources required to deliver a strategic, long-term approach to flood defence. It would assume overall responsibility at national level, with river basin catchment approach urgently needed, which looks at the downstream impacts of any changes in land use or defence work: a 'River Basin Systems' approach in line with the European Water Framework Directive."

"Flood defence would be managed at regional level through the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency would report on flood matters to the regional assemblies. We also propose sub-divisions of the regional agencies, which consult with and report to any affected local councils. Ultimately, money for flood defences should be provided by Government or by regional government if/when such a tier is created."

"3. Sustainable Urban Drainage (Suds) On All New Developments."

"We would introduce legislation to ensure that all new developments incorporate Sustainable Urban Drainage (SUDS) to reduce urban runoff water - an approach recommended by a coalition of the WWF-UK, RSPB and Wildlife Trusts. SUDS uses 'soft' engineering to control runoff water by using permeable materials in the construction of roads, car parks etc. We would also seek to develop collection systems to increase rainwater for garden watering, toilet flushing etc where this is feasible."

"4. Strengthen Land Use Planning Guidance:"

"We would strengthen existing legislation concerning developments on floodplains (PPG25: Planning Policy guidance on Development and flood Risk) to protect against unsustainable developments. The latest planning guidance (published July 2000) focuses only on developments on floodplains rather than other urban and Greenfield sites. In addition, the new guidance does not clarify the legal status of Sustainable Urban Drainage."

"5. Greater Restoration Of Wetlands And Woodland:"

"We would make wetland and woodland restoration a priority as a means of flood management. This would tie in directly with our policies in rural areas to improve wildlife management and support agri-environment schemes, alongside reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)."

"6. Improved Protection Of Coastal Areas:"

"We would support the development of shoreline management plans in coastal areas, making a presumption in favour of managed retreat. Planning guidance would be strengthened to prevent inappropriate new coastal developments. There should also be an assessment of the opportunities to remove or relocate developments at risk from flooding or coastal erosion."

"7. Strengthened Policies On Climate Change:"

"We recognize that the problem of flooding is closely associated with climate change, and this is precisely one of the reasons why the Liberal Democrats would introduce a long range target of a 50% reduction in greenhouse emissions by 2040 (the only major political party committed to such a long range target) as well as a commitment to a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2010.