Southwell Flood Forum trip to Westminster

On November 13th 2014, a group of 14 people representing Southwell Flood Forum visited Westminster at the invitation of Robert Jenrick, MP for Newark.

Our party included Bruce Laughton, County Councillor; Tim Farr, Chair of Trent Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and Brendan Haigh, representing Southwell Civic Society and ex-Town Councillor.

We were very pleased to have the opportunity to talk to Robert about our flooding issues in which he has taken a strong interest even before he was elected.

He gave us “encouraging” indications regarding the Autumn Statement due on 3rd December which will determine the extent of our Government funding for the Southwell Flood Mitigation Plan to provide mitigation measures to reduce our flood risk.

It is however, vital that Southwell community, the Town Council and our other partners continue to play their part and firm up on their contributions to the cost of mitigation measures at local level. Southwell Town Council has supported the fund with a £40K contribution through the precept last year. Their continued contribution to the flood ‘reserves’ would show support for the thousands of hours volunteers in the community have willingly given to work towards the aim for the overall good of the whole town.

Our experienced Guide, Stephen gave us a fascinating and interesting tour of the beautiful buildings comprising the Houses of Parliament.
Robert then took us on an exclusive visit into the Crypt and along the Shadow Cabinet offices corridor.
Finally we enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Adjournment restaurant.

“It was a pleasure to welcome the Flood Forum to London.

Thank you for the exemplary work you have done over the last 12 months.

Southwell Flood Forum is the model for community engagement to help resolve flooding issues and has made a very positive impact. I believe with the support of the Flood Forum , the County Council, local partners and the Government we are close to a funded plan that can be delivered. That would not have happened without the leadership of the Flood Forum.”

– Robert Jenrick, MP Newark and Sherwood

“I am delighted that 18 months’ of hard work and commitment from all corners of the community of Southwell has been recognised and supported by our new MP Robert Jenrick and hopefully we will be rewarded in the Autumn Statement.

The hard work is not over, but hopefully the next stage of our flood mitigation plan can begin”
Rob Jordan – Co-Chair
Southwell Flood Forum

“Robert was so generous with his time. Hopefully we shall see some positive outcomes from the discussions that took place, on a more formal level, throughout the day.”

– Richard and Ann Milnes

Afterwards we paid tribute at the Tower, admiring the amazing display of poppies. Although it was in the process of being dismantled, it was nevertheless a stunning sight.