The meeting comes after the group contacted

Graham with concerns about the Environment Agency’s (EA) River Hull Flood Risk Management Strategy.

Graham said: “The consultation period for the flood management strategy is coming to an end and I was alarmed [...]]]> Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, is to meet members of the River Hull Flood Action Group.

The meeting comes after the group contacted

Graham with concerns about the Environment Agency’s (EA) River Hull Flood Risk Management Strategy.

Graham said: “The consultation period for the flood management strategy is coming to an end and I was alarmed to hear there were still some very real concerns from those who live in the constituency about the way things have been handled.”

Members of the Hull Flood Action Group said they were worried important local knowledge and ideas were being ignored by the EA.

Their suggestions included a properly maintained pumped drainage system providing vast areas of dry farmland which would be available to soak up excessive rainfall. This they said would be a viable and cost effective strategy to keep the whole of the River Hull valley, including the city of Hull, dry. The bonus being the crops produced on this land in the meantime.

Graham added: “I, like the River Hull Flood Action Group, have had many meetings with the EA. I have been assured local knowledge from the IBDs and landowners, who have often seen flooding over many generations, would be used during the consultation period.

“I have immediately contacted the EA to find out why members of the Flood Action Group feel their views are not being given due consideration.

“The group is well aware of the funding difficulties faced by the EA, but they appear right in thinking that the relatively modest sums which should be spent in rural areas would have a major impact in protecting the urban area of Hull downstream.”

 The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign Office, Alistair Burt MP, responding to constituents concerns, raised by Graham, said there was ‘no suggestion’ the spill reflected badly on British [...]]]> BP should remain a ‘strong and viable’ company despite the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, MP for Beverley and Holderness has been told by Government.

 The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign Office, Alistair Burt MP, responding to constituents concerns, raised by Graham, said there was ‘no suggestion’ the spill reflected badly on British business.

Graham has been approached by several constituents who feared the impact of the disaster would affect their pensions as the BP share price fell.

 He said: “The explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig on April 20 and subsequent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a human and environmental tragedy.

 “The US authorities and BP continue to do all they can to stop the leak and clean up the oil. And the Minister has told me the UK Government has been in close contact with the US Government and BP throughout and has offered assistance.”

 He added David Cameron, the Prime Minister, has discussed the situation and its effect on BP share prices with President Obama on several occasions.

 The letter from the Minister said: “The President made clear that there was no suggestion that this disaster reflected badly on the UK or British business and that the UK/US relationship remained strong. They agreed that BP was a strong and viable company and that it was in all of our interests that it remained so.”

 Graham added: “I can fully understand the fears some of my constituents have about the state of the BP share price.

 “I hope this answer from the Minister give my constituents some comfort. I will be keeping a close eye on developments and will take any future concerns to the Government should the need arise.”

A pilot scheme will see the council buying homes which, it is feared, will disappear as a result of coastal erosion over the next 15 years and then lease [...]]]> MP for Beverley and Holderness, Graham Stuart, today welcomed news the East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) will buy homes at risk of falling into the sea.

A pilot scheme will see the council buying homes which, it is feared, will disappear as a result of coastal erosion over the next 15 years and then lease them back to their owners.

Graham said: “This is probably the best, and fairest, solution to the problems being faced by people whose homes are the closest to the cliff edge.

“I understand the Government’s reluctance simply to give compensation to homeowners – they knew when they bought their houses that the coast was eroding. This will, however, relieve the worry of those affected and allow residents both the time and the cash to make plans for their futures.”

Money to pay for the project is coming from a £1.2 million Government Pathfinder scheme following years of lobbying by Graham and leading members of East Riding Council.

The money will also be used to help those forced to move out of their homes with rent on temporary accommodation for six months.

Graham added: “The Council finds itself, almost literally, between the devil and the deep blue sea with this issue.

“This is the first Pathfinder money which will be used to help coastal dwellers try and adapt to the ever changing cliff line. I am sure the plan will be refined and perfected in the years ahead.

“We all know the Holderness coastline is dynamic and fast changing, as it always has been, but this is a positive step to tell people who will lose their home that they aren’t on their own and that creative ways will be found to support them.”

It is estimated there are currently around 30 properties along the coast at risk of being lost to coastal erosion in the next 20 years.

The buy-back project is due to be discussed at the Council’s cabinet later today (Tuesday Feb 02, 2010).