Hull MP welcomes independent report on flooding

Hull North MP Diana Johnson has welcomed today's publication of The June 2007 floods in Hull - the Final Report by the Independent Review Body.

The Hull North MP believes that the findings of the five-month independent probe into the flooding of 25 June adds weight to her petition campaign, launched in August, to have Bransholme Pumping Station upgraded, in order to better protect communities in Kingswood and Bransholme in the event of future flood emergencies.

The Review Body report states: "We recommend Yorkshire Water to rapidly upgrade Bransholme Pumping Station with reliable modern equipment and do not rely upon temporary repairs presently being implemented."

Diana Johnson MP said: "The findings of this independent report support my campaign to persuade Yorkshire Water to improve or rebuild the local pumping station serving Kingswood and Bransholme. I am determined to continue this petition campaign and I urge more people to sign it at www.dianajohnson.co.uk.

"Although the Review Body report questions Yorkshire Water's past performance, the focus must now be preparing for the future. This means action on getting the investment from Yorkshire Water in the local pumping station for the long term protection of local homes and businesses.

"Yorkshire Water recently gave welcome reassurances about maintaining temporary pumping capacity for Kingswood and Bransholme. In the light of this report, we now need a permanent solution.

"The floods in June were caused by prolonged extreme weather and surface water overwhelming the local drainage and pumping capacity that was in place at the time. Although general flood protection is important - and the Government is investing more in our coastal flood defences - Hull needs its pumping and drainage system upgraded as the top priority.

"I therefore look forward to working with Yorkshire Water and other agencies to implement the recommendations of this report."