Christopher Fraser, MP for South West Norfolk, has today questioned the Government on its lack of commitment to local people in Norfolk following years of flooding in the Norfolk Fens.
Christopher Fraser said that flooding of the Welney Washes has become increasingly frequent over the last seven years, resulting in closure of the A1101 on a regular basis, yet the Government has taken no action towards a viable solution.
Speaking after the Commons debate, Christopher Fraser said: “I raised this matter with the Minister just over a year ago and I am disappointed that absolutely nothing seems to have been done to address the situation. Time and time again, people living in the village of Welney and on either side of it were forced to take extremely long detours just to get to their homes and places of work. There is also a real fear that more businesses may close or relocate due to the impact that the road closure is having on local trade.
“The Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs last month pledged at least £34.5 million towards flood defences. I wanted the Minister to make a commitment today to invest some of that money into finding a solution for those in the Fens. He told me that the Government are committed to those living in rural areas, but I will only believe that when I see tangible results. So far, we have just had platitudes and empty promises. We need to see the Government take action on this issue. I will continue fighting for the people affected by flooding in my constituency until the Government accepts that we have as much right as those further upstream to appropriate flood alleviation measures.”
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