EFFORTS to evacuate people from a Somerset residential park have been praised by the area’s MP during a visit to those affected.
Residents of the Primrose Hill site, in Somerton, were moved in the early hours of Sunday morning (January 26) as flood waters rose.
Many were taken to nearby Edgar Hall, which was transformed into an emergency evacuation centre.
On Monday, MP Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Glastonbury and Somerton) visited flood-hit residents as communities started the claen-up operation after being Storm Éowyn and Storm Herminia.
At Edgar Hall, Ms Dyke helped secure beds from nearby RNAS Yeovilton, and was able to chat to those affected.
She showed people pictures of the flooded park, as she had visited emergency services at the site, and praised all involved in the operation.
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“I want to commend Somerton Town Council, Somerset Council, RNAS Yeovilton, the emergency services and all the businesses, volunteers and members of the community who pulled together, in what was an extraordinary effort, to support the residents and run an evacuation centre,” she said.
“It’s in times like these you really see the spirit of our communities through our support for each other. It was a wonderful effort by all concerned.
“Unfortunately, with climate change upon us, flooding is now becoming more commonplace, and situations like this serve to highlight how serious, frightening and damaging it can be.
“It’s of utmost importance communities in Glastonbury and Somerton are prepared and resilient to extreme weather.
“I will continue to push the Government to fund flood mitigation and defences properly so all our communities in Somerset can be protected in the future.”
The Primrose Hill residential park in Somerton was badly hit during the recent storms. Picture: Google
Ms Dyke’s efforts in Parliament have included repeated calls on the Government to rethink the way it funds flood mitigation, defences and repair, and pushing for improved funding for farmers, who she says are on the frontline in the fight against flooding in Somerset.
She also recently met with, and has written to, Flooding Minister, Emma Hardy MP demanding action.
Later on Monday, Primrose Hill residents were moved to emergency accommodation and returned to their homes on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, Ms Dyke went back to further support residents who had been moved to emergency housing and on Wednesday, submitted a written question to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to ask what support his department is providing for those impacted by the flooding.
“My heart goes out to all those affected by flooding,” she added. “It is truly terrifying to have water ingress in your home, to lose possessions, have your property damaged or have to evacuate.
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“I promise to keep fighting for Somerset to get proper assistance from the Government so we can plan for and mitigate floods in the future rather than having to react to emergencies like this.”
Look our for more on the flooding, how climate change is affecting Somerset and what we can do about it, in your upcoming Somerset Leveller.
Great Britain is too small and insignificant to have any effect whatsoever on “climate change”. When did this process start? At the end of the last ice age? With the industrial revolution? WW1? With the advent of mass transport by internal combustion?
No government of any flavour will do anything meaningful, so the MP is wasting her time.
What Great Britain can do however is protect ourselves by having an absolute ban on commencing residential development within 25 vertical feet of a water course. Yes, this will demolish our perceived backlog of residential property, but which is more important? Decide for yourselves!