MP welcomes flood aid package
Tuesday 10th July 2007, 10:24AM BST.
A Shropshire MP today welcomed a £1 million package to boost the tourism industry in flood-ravaged parts of the region.
It includes cash to repair the Severn Valley Railway and encourage tourism around its route between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.
Large sections of the line were closed after embankments were washed away during torrential rains.
Shropshire MP Philip Dunne, who tabled a Commons motion calling on the Government to provide emergency financial assistance to Severn Valley Railway to allow it to reopen as soon as possible, welcomed the “constructive response” from a West Midlands regional development agency.
The Ludlow Tory MP said: “I am very pleased that Advantage West Midlands has reacted promptly and efficiently to put in place some emergency funding to help with the post-flood repairs,” he said.
“Severn Valley Railway is an important contributor to the Bridgnorth economy, and it is vital, not just for the railway but the businesses in the surrounding area that it is up and running as soon as possible,” added Mr Dunne, who arranged a meeting with AWM.
The cost of insurance claims after the floods will be the subject of talks between government officials and the insurance industry today. The Government says it is determined to “drive the claims process forward”.
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Considerable relief must be expressed that financial assistance is to be provided by the West Midlands Regional Agency to tackle the problems on the Severn Valley line. Whilst enthusiasts are supporting the SVR Flood Damage Appeal the sums involved in putting the damage right must be beyond the short term ability of well-wishers to raise the money needed, if reopening is to be achieved this season. The aid is a sensible response to a critical situation and I applaud the decision to offer help.
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First MP from Shropshire I have heard speak about the flood damage – where are the others then ?
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