MP presses the case with government over flooding

Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury & Atcham, has written to 10 Downing Street's new chief of staff, Dan Rosenfield, to press the case over action on the River Severn.

Last year Mr Kawczynski set up a group of 46 MPs whose constituencies sit along the course of the Severn, to campaign for work to alleviate flooding.

It came after devastating floods in February and March caused misery for countless homes and businesses in Shrewsbury and Ironbridge.

The group has secured £40m for the River Severn Partnership to come up with ways of reducing the problem – with a report on proposals expected later this year.

In his letter Mr Kawczynski urged the government to ensure that the funding is transformed into action – and to also consider short term measures to reduce the problem.

He said: "It is important now that funding has been distributed, that we keep looking into flooding as a priority to get flood defences implemented as soon as possible. I am pleased with the funding received and the extensive plans for flood defences, but we also need to consider short term measures as the imminent risk of flooding this winter is still a huge threat to Shrewsbury and other constituencies along the River Severn.

"As you can see, although progress on tackling flooding of the River Severn has been made, there is still a long way to go and more to be done. I would like the opportunity, speaking on behalf of River Severn MPs, for us to be able to talk about issues constituents are facing with you and the future of flood prevention and protection through being a guest at a future River Severn MP Caucus meeting.

"I understand you and the Prime Minister have other parliamentary commitments during this busy period, but I urge you to look into what more you can do to help prevent and manage flooding."