North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan and Shrewsbury councillor Alex Wagner have urged flood-hit residents, farmers and businesses to share their experiences with a local flood forum.
This comes after it was announced on December 10th that there is to be a Parliamentary Inquiry into Flood Resilience in England, led by the Environmental Audit Committee.
One of the key areas to be focused on is the River Severn, particularly in and around Shrewsbury. Upstream of this is a larger amount of North Shropshire farmland towards Mid and North Wales, which holds a huge amount of water, and is increasingly prone to surface water flooding.
Helen Morgan serves as the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Flooded Communities, using her role to put pressure on policymakers and improve life in flooded areas.
Councillor Alex Wagner is Vice-Chair of the Shrewsbury Town Centre Residents’ Association. He has campaigned extensively on Shrewsbury’s flooding problems, recently demanding action from Shropshire Council in an Urgent Question over drainage after it was discovered the local authority failed to act following Storm Henk, creating problems for residents on Crescent Lane by The Quarry.
They are urging impacted residents to contact the local flooding forum as the Parliamentary Inquiry will use its evidence.
The flood forum in Shropshire are asking four questions:
– Can you please say something about your experience of flooding and the impact it has had on you?
– How often have you been flooded? Where did the water come from? What was the interruption to your life? How long until things settled down? Did you feel supported? Was information about what to do reachable and clear?
– What types of supports were/are available? Are they adequate in your view?
– What can be done to prevent and mitigate the effects of flooding? Who should be primarily responsible for this?
– Who/what do you think is making flooding worse?
Residents can email Siobhan Connor, Chair of Shrewsbury Flood Action, at siobhan@connorpr.com with their responses.
Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, said:
“Flooding is a huge issue for many residents, farmers and businesses across Shropshire. It is good to see the issue being taken seriously, with a Parliamentary Inquiry now launched with a specific focus on the River Severn.
“As we know and saw recently during Storm Darragh, North Shropshire is also prone to significant surface water flooding. There needs to be focus on how this is dealt with, particularly with floods getting worse year-on-year for many of my constituents.
“I would strongly encourage anyone in Shropshire impacted by flooding to contact the local forum and ensure that North Shropshire voices are being taken seriously by the Parliamentary Inquiry.”
Shrewsbury councillor Alex Wagner, who visited flood-hit residents and businesses during Storm Darragh, said:
“Residents of Shrewsbury, particularly those in the Town Centre and nearby areas, are tired of watching the water get higher and higher every year. What used to be once in a generation is now yearly.
“The work that Siobhan and Shrewsbury Flood Action are doing is incredible. We need as many residents and businesses in town as possible to share their experiences with the forum, so that we can make the strongest possible case to Ministers that action is needed.
“Shrewsbury is a wonderful place to live, and our Town Centre is the jewel in the crown. But Storm Darragh proved that our defences are more fragile than we may realise. Action is needed now to protect homes and livelihoods.”
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