Published: July 23, 2007
Burnham-On-Sea MP calls for new study on local flooding risks

Burnham-On-Sea's MP, David Heathcoat-Amory, has called on the Environment Agency to carry out a survey on the town's vulnerability to flooding in the light of current flooding in the West Country.

He issued a statement on Monday (July 23rd) after fears were expressed by local residents that a similar problem could occur here.

"Travelling around the constituency this weekend, I have become increasingly aware of concerns regarding flooding, and what procedures, if any, are in place should an emergency situation arise such as we have seen in other parts of the country in the last few weeks," he said.

"As a result of this, I will ask for the Environmental Agency to conduct a comprehensive survey of the Bristol Channel to assess the vulnerability of flooding. As there are low floodplains around Burnham-On-Sea I will be requesting a survey of the local plan."

"I will also suggest that the local authority must do an assessment or survey of buildings to assess that future houses and householders are not at risk by building on vulnerable floodplains."

"It has been reported that our emergency services were so overstretched that the Territorial Army were brought in to assist. We are very lucky to have such people who volunteer to put their own lives at risk. However, the government needs to examine our overseas commitments to ensure that we do not leave our population at home at risk."

"The government seems to have plans to deal with overseas development in some cases in advance of what is available here."

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10-day weather forecast for Burnham-On-Sea