Prime Minister Gets Update on Somerset Dredging (UK)

British Prime Minister David Cameron discussed flood recovery and funding on a visit to Somerset.

The PM toured flood-affected villages on the Levels and Moors and inspected the current dredging work as part of the visit to review the Somerset County Council-led recovery effort.

He also met Local Authority Leaders including Councillor John Osman, Leader of Somerset County Council; and Duncan McGinty, Leader of Sedgemoor District Council, to discuss the key issues in the flood response and recovery.

Subjects covered included identifying the most important aspects of the 20 Year Flood Action Plan, the need for a Somerset consensus on how it can be funded, and what changes at Government level would help.

Cllr Osman said: “The visit was a chance for the Prime Minster to see how our communities are rebuilding their lives and inspect the dredging work now underway.

“I think it was important for him to see that first hand, but it was also a chance to talk about what happens next.

“It was a constructive meeting with most of the focus on looking forward and the 20 year plan, and how all the agencies and government – local and national – work together to reduce the risk of flooding like this happening again.”

[mappress]

Press Release, April 7, 2014