Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
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MP Challenges Treasury Minister Over Flood Defences For Lewes
In a one-to-one meeting at the Treasury with Economic Secretary John Healey MP, Lewes MP Norman Baker today (Tuesday) pressed for more money for flood defences for Lewes, quicker action to protect the town, and an end to the divisive "cell culture" that divides Lewes up into separate flood defence cells.
Norman says:
"I was determined to get into the Treasury to lobby for my town, as they set the rules and they set the budget. Persuading DEFRA of the need for action only gets us so far.
"I explained to the Minister the importance of getting adequate flood defences in place. The government has said Lewes is a priority, but the fact is that four years on, work to improve the town's defences has only just begun, and then only in respect of the Malling Brooks area. It is vital that more money is made available, both to accelerate the programme and also to ensure cover is still provided by insurance companies to both residents and businesses. I have a real fear that if the insurance industry concludes that the government is backtracking from their commitments, they may not be so willing to provide cover.
"I also told the Minister that the requirement to assess Lewes on a cell basis is divisive for the town, and potentially more expensive for the taxpayer in the long run. Looking at the town holistically would allow town-wide solutions, such as downstream flood plain creation, to be looked at more sympathetically. Such measures, as part of an overall scheme, could help provide an overall solution that is both cheaper and less damaging to the core of the town. It would also tackle the invidious position whereby one person who has been flooded gets protection, but another in a different part of town doesn't.
"I am pleased to say that John Healey gave me a sympathetic reception and promised to look into all the matters I raised and come back to me."