§ 27. Ms KeebleTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to improve the flood defence and warning system for Northampton. [47183]
§ Mr. MorleyI recognise the severe and continuing effects of the Easter floods on the residents of Northampton, and elsewhere, which I have seen at first hand. On behalf of the Government, I extend my sympathy to all concerned.
The Environment Agency is responsible for flood defence and warning systems. It has commissioned an Independent Review into the Easter floods. The final report of the Review Team is due by the end of September 1998. In the meantime, the Agency is taking a number of initiatives in Northampton. These measures include:
- preliminary works to raise existing defences;
- a detailed review of flood defence standards and identification of options for improvement;
- works to improve river flow and river level monitoring;
- temporary lowering of trigger levels for flood warnings with improved warning and dissemination arrangements, and
- revision of the Northamptonshire Flood Warning Plan.
These initiatives are largely aimed at achieving improvements in advance of the coming winter and are being taken forward in consultation with the police, Borough and County Council and the Residents Associations as appropriate. Further actions may be required as a result of the recommendations in the Independent Review.