MP to quiz Environment Agency chiefs over solutions to tackle ‘constant threat of flooding’

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Tackling the constant threat flooding poses to residents in Tewkesbury is top of the agenda for new MP Cameron Thomas who has arranged to meet with Environment Agency bosses.

The Liberal Democrat, who lives in Longford, says he is well aware of the nightmare flooding causes for residents in his constituency.

And that, for many residents, it seems as if hundreds of new homes are being built in the Severn catchment area and nothing is being done to prevent more flooding.

To try and tackle the issue, he has arranged meetings with the Environment Agency and a charity to work towards finding a solution.

He says it is vital new houses are planned well and have the appropriate infrastructure especially given the new Government’s intention to see more homes built across the country.

“Flooding is an enduring frustration for people in this constituency particularly on the western border, from Twyning, Tewkesbury all the way down to [Gloucester],” he said.

“Nothing seems to have been done. The only thing that seems to be done is all these housing developments have gone up. You’ve got people even now in August still prying up the floor boards because of flooding.

“In three months, they are probably going to be impacted again. They feel like nothing has been done for years on this.

“Maybe I can have some kind of impact, maybe I won’t. But I’m certainly going to bloody try.

“I’m in Longford. I’m not affected by the flooding but my friends are. These are people I’m very close to.

“It’s going to flood every January like clockwork. So on top of being pressured by the Government to build all these new homes.

“We’ve also got to be wary that we need to be able to mitigate the impact of flooding. With climate change as the water table rises, the impact will be worse.

“I’ve got a meeting with the head of the Environment Agency booked within the next two weeks. I need to speak to the top and then that will naturally filter down. I’ve got a meeting scheduled with a flooding charity.

“With that network built I can then bring that into Tewkesbury Borough and Gloucestershire County Council and incorporate that into the plans. As, in fact, Tewkesbury Borough is already incorporating that within their plan.”

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