Assurance sought on Morpeth flood scheme

Nov 16 2009 by David Black, The Journal

CAMPAIGNERS in a flood-threatened market town are to seek reassurances from senior Conservative politicians that a change of government will not sink plans for a vital £15m defence scheme.

People in Morpeth want to see the flood alleviation scheme carried out as soon as possible, in the hope of avoiding a repeat of the September 2008 catastrophe which saw 1,000 homes and businesses flooded by the swollen River Wansbeck.

The Environment Agency says the project remains its top priority for funding in the North East – but now Wansbeck MP Denis Murphy has voiced fears it could be hit by a tight squeeze on public spending if the Conservatives win the next general election.

Now the Morpeth Flood Action Group (MFAG) – which was set up in the wake of last year’s incident – says it will be seeking a commitment from senior Tory MPs they will not axe the scheme as part of any cuts in capital spending.

Yesterday MFAG chairman, Alan Bell, said: “There is genuine concern a change of Government next year could threaten the scheme, and we are in the process of trying to get reassurances about it from shadow ministers.

“The Conservatives have clearly said they will look seriously at capital expenditure so there is obviously a concern. Because the decision on funding for our flood alleviation scheme will be made next summer, it could be prone to being cut. We have to make the politicians recognise that every time it rains heavily a large proportion of the Morpeth population panics.”