Flood Recovery Minister Visits Devon and Dorset

The newly appointed flood recovery minister for Devon and Dorset has been visiting victims of the flooding in both counties earlier today.

The new minister, Mr Oliver Letwin, the MP for West Dorset  also held meetings today in Exeter and Dorchester to meet businesses and residents to understand the impact across the region and work that needs to be done.

In his new role, Mr Letwin will assess the how effectively parties, such as the Environment Agency, utilities companies and local authorities, worked together,during the severe winter weather to explore any weaknesses in flood  defences.

He will also explore actions being taken or that need to be taken as part of the recovery process, particularly those that need to happen over the spring or summer to reduce risk next winter.

Speaking to the Dorset Echo, Mr Letwin said: “I’m keen to help the hardworking communities and businesses of Devon and Dorset get back to their daily lives.

“We need to make sure that we are delivering the right support and help is reaching those in the counties who need it most.”

Writing earlier this month Mr Letwin, who is also minister for government policy, said it was time for a phase of ‘repair and recovery’.

He writes: “Over the coming three months, I shall be conducting a series of meetings in both Dorset and Devon, in parallel with meetings held by a number of Cabinet colleagues in other parts of the country most affected by the recent flooding to make sure that the repair and recovery work is going smoothly.

“We can’t afford to take our eyes of this issue until that work is done.”