A £5BILLION funding boost for flood prevention nationwide has been backed by Liberal Democrat candidate Margaret Rowley.
As Evesham and Pershore begin to return to normal after the flooding which struck the area at the end of last week, Mrs Rowley hailed her party’s pledge for major investment.
Scientists predict that global warming will lead to an increase in heavy rainfall by 2100 and Mrs Rowley hit out at the Conservative’s Brexit agenda which she claimed would risk the UK losing access to vital EU funds for improving flood defences and flood relief. This would starve local communities of a key revenue stream to tackle flooding and build resilience for the future, according to Mrs Rowley.
“Communities in Mid Worcestershire are yet again mopping up after devastating floods. Some investment in flood defences has taken place, but more needs to be done,” she said.
“The Liberal Democrats will create a £5billion flood prevention and adaptation fund over the next five years to support small community and council led schemes to reduce flooding and protect at-risk communities.
“By staying in the EU, the UK will retain access to vital EU funds to deal with flooding. A Liberal Democrat government will stop Brexit and build a brighter future, tackling key issues like the climate emergency.”
A Lib Dem government will also increase DEFRA’s budget by £1billion per year, ensuring non-departmental bodies like the Environment Agency receive more funding, according to Mrs Rowley.
