Derek Deedman

New plans have been announced by the Liberal Democrats to protect Britain from the worst effects of flooding. The Met Office warned recently that severe flooding is due to worsen in the years ahead. High levels of rainfall in Sussex during December and January saw flooding around the local area.

“The government isn’t taking the devastating potential of climate change seriously enough,” said new Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg. “We need to act now if we’re to protect Britain from the flooding that could sweep Britain in years to come. Six months after last year’s flooding, the government has still done nothing to tackle the problem. Many areas of Britain are simply left waiting for the next downpour, while Ministers sit twiddling their thumbs.

Lewes Lib Dem MP Norman Baker, who chairs the All Party Flood Prevention Group in Parliament said: “We must invest more in our flood defences. The government must stop building so many new homes in flood risk areas, and help families in high risk homes to get insurance. We need a comprehensive approach to flooding, brought together in a Flooding Act in Parliament to ensure changes are made quickly, and to reassure the thousands of families who are at risk of losing everything.”

County Councillor  for Bramber Castle, Derek Deedman, said: “The government must start taking flood management seriously. This means investing in new flood defences and maintaining existing ones. Otherwise places like Bramber, Steyning and Upper Beeding will continue to be at risk.”