Minister confirms Council at fault with Ross Flood Scheme delay

11.49.02pm GMT Thu 30th Nov 2006

Ross-on-Wye

Lib Dem MP for Hereford, Paul Keetch, recently met with Ian Pearson MP, DEFRA Minister, to discuss the Ross-on-Wye flood defence scheme. The Minister had been invited to visit Herefordshire but, as his diary would not permit, contacted Mr Keetch and arranged a meeting at short notice in Westminster. The Minister, his Permanent Private Secretary and Paul Keetch only attended - no officials were present.

"I was grateful that the Minister was prepared to meet with me late one evening and slot me in to his busy schedule," Mr Keetch said.

"I didn't want to lose the opportunity to speak to him and went along to discuss the concerns of my constituents and the need for the flood scheme to proceed as soon as possible. I had obtained background information from the Council and the Environment Agency beforehand which, frankly, was at odds.

"The Minister confirmed verbally then, and now in writing, that the scheme was approved for a start in 2006-7 and it would have gone ahead if the Council's cost estimates had proved accurate. The Council's Cabinet member, Cllr Wilcox, cannot deny this fact no matter which way you look at it. The Council is at fault and this is yet another example of incompetence we have seen so many times since the Tories took leadership of Herefordshire Council back in 2003.

"My constituents deserve better. Rather than admit the error the Tories are simply trying to hoodwink the residents of Ross - l have it in writing from the Minister and the public will make up their own mind on who's telling the truth," the MP added.

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In a letter dated 16 November 2006, Ian Pearson MP, Minister of State for Climate Change & Environment at DEFRA wrote to Paul Keetch, MP for Hereford:

Dear Paul,

I said I would write to you about Herefordshire Council's proposed flood alleviation scheme at Ross-on-Wye. We approved the scheme for a start in 2006-7 and it would have gone ahead if the Council's cost estimates had proved accurate. However, the budget requested for the scheme was £1.4 million or 28% higher and due to commitment for on-going schemes elsewhere Defra was not able to find the funds for the scheme.

I recognise that this scheme is worthwhile and it is being considered alongside plans from all operating authorities for possible funding in 2007-8.

Kind regards

Ian Pearson