Floods - communities need more support

11:12am Tuesday 4th March 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A REPORT on flooding sent to the Prime Minister has cited Evesham as a reason why communities need more support after uncontrollable events.

The governments rural advocate, Dr Stuart Burgess, visited the town whilst in the process of preparing a report which has now been sent to Gordon Brown for consideration.

Dr Burgess travelled the length and breadth of the country to gain information for his report but said that his visit to Evesham was one of the most telling', as it highlighted the need for local communities and companies to get the help they need in order to recover from widespread flooding.

In his report, one of the ways he suggested that support could be given, was the launch of a recovery fund which would be used after future environmental events.

Commenting on how farmers in particular had been affected, Dr Burgess said: "Farming and the difficulties faced by this sector figures prominently in the report and I have drawn attention to problems faced in the wake of unprecedented levels of flooding.

"Whilst I remain hugely impressed by the energy, industry and determination of the farmers, there is a need for a recovery fund to be agreed for future incidents so companies cna have a fair chance to maintain and restore their activities.

"Rural life can offer great advantages and I have seen many examples of real community spirit and creative solutions to problems. But I have also witnessed people in real hardship and struggling to get by."

For more information visit www.ruralcommunties.gov.uk