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MEMBERS of Southwell Town Council agreed to contribute tens of thousands of pounds to a ring-fenced flood mitigation fund after a passionate debate at the Old Court House.

It is to put aside £40,000 for flood prevention and reparation work.

It means the town council precept — its share of the council tax bill — will rise to £194,436 for 2014-15, up from £142,396.

It will take the cost per week for a band D household to just over £1.

An alternative proposal to put £20,000 towards a flood fund was defeated by eight votes to five.

The majority of councillors, and members of Southwell Flood Forum, who were at the meeting, argued the council had to take a lead on the issue to attract funding from other agencies and authorities.

But others were concerned that they could not expect the town’s taxpayers to fund such a large increase in the precept.

Mr Mark Bertolini, co-chairman of the flood forum, said: “It has affected nearly everybody in the town.

“The final cost of work is likely to run to £3m or £4m. The town council can’t solve the problem on its own, but it can show how much it matters and make it much more likely something is done.

“We want you to have the courage to take this forward.”

A councillor, Mr Roger Dobson, said: “In my mind there is no doubt flooding is the overwhelming issue.”

Mr Julian Hamilton said he would have backed a larger contribution of £65,000.

“The damage has been horrendous and many people are still not back in their homes,” he said.

Mrs Beryl Prentice, who proposed the £20,000 contribution, said £40,000 was premature.

“We are a parish council and are not legally responsible for this apart from our riparian ownership responsibilities,” she said.

“While many households may be able to afford a rise in precept, many on low incomes and pensioners are only just coping.”

She was backed by Mr Andy Gregory, who said: “£20,000 would show we are putting our money where our mouth is. It does not mean it could not change in future.”

Mr Peter Harris said the council also had budget pressure from reduced Newark and Sherwood District Council support and increased tree maintenance costs.

He said the fact a Nottinghamshire County Council report into flooding had not yet made its recommendations made it a difficult decision.

“My view is we should put some money aside and protect it for sole use on flood protection,” he said.

If the money is not spent it will be returned to town council funds.

View article on the Newark Advertiser web site…