LOCAL Conservative MP Rebecca Pow has been asked by the Liberal Democrats to help people affected by last week’s flash floods.

Lib Dem MP Richard Foord, who represents Uffculme and other parts of Mid Devon in the Wellington Weekly circulation area, has written to Ms Pow in her role as Environment Minister.

Mr Foord wants the Government to do more to support communities hit by the recent flooding, which affected areas near the River Otter as well as dozens of houses in Milverton and other parts of Somerset.

Ms Pow is the Minister in charge of overseeing the Government’s response to flooding and Mr Foord has asked for outline what additional support will be given to help with clean up and repair work. 

Mr Foord also called for clarity from the Government on the protocol for support being allocated to local authorities and communities in response to environmental events such as flooding.

He said: “The impact of recent flooding along the River Otter has been damaging and disruptive. 

“The work of both emergency service workers and the local community has been inspiring.

“Their swift response has seen us at our best and helped minimise the impact of the flooding.

“However, now the focus turns to the clean-up operation and arduous task of repairing the damage caused by water, mud, and silt.

“We must ensure that this work is properly supported, both by Devon County Council and the Conservative Government, both in the immediate aftermath, but also in the medium term, too.

“That is why I have urged the Flooding Minister to clarify what additional support Devon County Council will be getting from central Government to enable this work in relation to public spaces, and how communities affected by flooding in a future will be supported too.”

In his letter to Ms Pow, Mr Foord said: “Speaking to local community leaders and councillors who represent affected areas, there is a sense that we need a framework to provide post-incident support to those who experience this kind of unexpected flash flooding.

“Many feel that while immediate support is forthcoming, in the days afterwards they are left to pick up the pieces by themselves.

“I appreciate that we cannot totally prevent flooding of this kind, but I suggest that the Government can help local authorities to help people with community recovery.”