§ Mr. Matthew Taylor (Truro)I beg to ask leave to present a petition signed by 5,193 citizens of Truro whose town centre has been devastated twice this year by flooding. The flooding has been caused by inadequate land drainage provision, which could have been alleviated with the proper resources. The flooding threatened lives and caused devastation and distress to individuals and businesses in Truro. In addition, it has threatened future development in the town centre.
The two floods could have been avoided but the South West water authority does not have the funds necessary to deal with the problem. I ask for adequate funding on behalf of the people of Truro before they suffer further damage to persons and possessions. I also ask for compensation for those who have suffered—many of whom have suffered twice—the distress of finding that their personal possessions, including some of great sentimental value, have been reduced to a soggy mess.
Wherefore your petitioners pray that your Honourable House ask the Secretaries of State for Agriculture and the Environment to make all necessary funds available for (1) a fully adequate flood alleviation scheme for Truro to ensure that people and properties are properly protected and,(2) compensation for the victims of inadequate flood alleviation provisions.
§ To lie upon the Table.