FLOODING minister Emma Hardy (Lab, Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice) was in Somerset yesterday (February 10) to see the impact of recent heavy rain on the county.

She was hosted by MP Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Glastonbury & Somerton), after repeated calls for a visit so the minister could see the devastating impact of recent flooding for herself.

Ms Dyke, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for rural affairs, said the visit was “vital for the Government to understand the situation on the ground”, with the pair taking in flood hotspots in Langport and in Muchelney.

“After my repeated requests in Parliament, the Minister’s visit today is appreciated and a step in the right direction,” Ms Dyke said.

“It was crucial for me to show her the devastation flooding is causing people in Somerset, and the stark reality for communities as they face unprecedented weather events with increasing frequency.

“These extreme downpours are our new reality, yet the Government still believes our flood defences can be run on a shoestring budget.

“We urgently need investment into Somerset to ensure the availability of critical assets where they are needed in emergencies to mitigate flooding.”

MP Sarah Dyke and Flooding Minister Emma Hardy in Langport

She said investment was needed in flood prevention, as well making Somerset prepared for heavy rains – and the resultant flooding – amid falling budgets.

“With national flooding budgets being cut in real terms it’s critical the Government invests in cost-effective strategies such as flood preparedness, prevention and nature-based solutions, so communities aren’t left to fend for themselves,” she went on.

“In addition, the decision to withdraw main river maintenance funding is short-sighted and reckless. It will worsen the risk of flooding, leaves the burden of managing our rivers to individual riparian owners, and taxpayers will be left to pick up the bill for ever-increasing costs of flood damage.

“Liberal Democrats are calling for an urgent review of the decision to abandon main river maintenance. Communities across Somerset cannot afford the withdrawal of this funding- the devastating effects of which will be evident in coming years. You cannot protect the South West, or Somerset on the cheap, and this cannot go on.”

READ MORE: Somerset flooding: Are we doing enough to protect the county?

During her visit, the Minister took a tractor ride with Muchelney farmer Michael Curtis, taking in land entirely submerged in flood water.

The Minister also visited the River Parrett in Langport to view the pumping station and to further flood works, before meeting with the Internal Drainage Board.

Ms Hardy said the Government had invested £75m in Somerset and would continue building flood defences – including the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier.

“I’ve heard from communities here in Somerset who have been deeply affected by the impacts the recent heavy rainfall, and I know how devastating flooding can be,” she said.

“Environment Agency officers have been working around the clock across the country, but especially in Somerset, and I thank them for their efforts during this testing time.

“In Somerset, we have already invested £75 million and are continuing to boost flood defences in the area – including building the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier to protect 12,800 homes and businesses.”

Julie Foley, director of flood risk strategy at the Environment Agency, added: “We are continuing to see significant rainfall in the southwest and other parts of the UK, and so our teams are taking every step they can to protect people, homes and businesses.

“We are operating emergency pumps and flood storage areas to minimise the risk of further flooding, and many thousands of homes and businesses have been protected. But this is little comfort to the those who have been flooded, and we will continue to do all we can to help communities affected.

“It’s crucial that the public heed warnings from local responders, sign up for flood warnings and make sure they do not to drive through flood water.”

The Government said it had inherited flood defences “in their worst condition on record”, and had immediately invested £100m for “essential maintenance”.

Work is already underway on the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier, which aims to protect more than 12,500 homes from flooding, and the facility is expected to be online in the next five years.

READ MORE: Environment news from your Somerset Leveller