A new Government scheme aimed at protecting smaller communities which repeatedly flood has been launched - after an MP demanded action to end the nightmare for his constituents.
Shipley MP Philip Davies has repeatedly set out the case to Government for investment arguing that smaller communities did not qualify for flood defence projects even if they flooded on a regular basis and therefore an alternative was needed.
Now Government has announced £100 million will be given to communities where ten or more properties have flooded twice or more in the last ten years.
Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs George Eustice said: “Philip Davies has long raised the problem of frequently flooded communities like those in parts of his constituency. It is not just the number of properties at risk of flooding but the number of times they are flooded that counts and it is incredibly demoralising for those who see their homes flood repeatedly. The changes we have announced today are an important first step to address this problem.”
Government said the money will provide extra support for areas and form part of its £5.2 billion effort to build 2,000 flood schemes by 2027 and level up defences across the country.
Mr Davies said: “I am delighted George Eustice and other Government ministers have listened to my arguments and why it is necessary to have a fund specifically for small communities who repeatedly flood. Many of my constituents are suffering with repeat flooding but given their location a flood defence scheme was not always deemed possible so I hope this fund will resolve this problem.
“No one should be in fear when it rains and the psychological impact of flooding cannot be underestimated. We need to do everything we can to put an end to communities being repeatedly flooded. I have been clear I want to see communities with a history of flooding prioritised for schemes, meaning my constituents would be at the top of the list. Now the government have agreed to my proposal I will be making the case for our area and do everything I can to ensure we receive a share of the money.”
The government have said that the details on how to apply for the scheme will be published in the coming days.