22/6/2008

I write in response to your story last week about flood victims calling for more help from the council. First, I would like to assure people that addressing the problems of flooding in the Vale is one of my priorities for the year, and something that I personally will be making sure we take action on.

Although our resources are limited, we will invest what money we can to help support community flood groups and to fund flood-defence schemes and drainage works which will benefit as many people as possible. We will also continue to work closely with partner organisations, particularly the Environment Agency, to deliver the larger flood prevention schemes which are so clearly needed to protect homes at risk in the Vale.

We will also continue to help those people most at risk during times of flooding wherever we can, although no matter how hard we try we will never be able to get round to everyone, which is why we are also encouraging people to do what they can to help protect their own homes and communities.

Also, in response to last week's letter from councillor Iain Brown, I completely agree that the problems of flooding are complex and there are no quick and easy solutions. However, I do believe that clearing out some of the county's drains could help alleviate some of the problems caused by surface water flooding - which is a key issue for action as identified in the Pitt report.

Councillor Tony de Vere Leader Vale of White Horse District Council

7:34am Thursday 19th June 2008