MPs say tackling Norfolk's flooding needs to be made 'sexy'

The government has been urged to make water infrastructure maintenance “sexy” to prevent householders and businesses being deluged with water, as has happened in places such as Attleborough and Long Stratton in recent years.

Flooding in Long Stratton (Image: ELLA WILKINSON)

Seven of the region's MPs attended a Westminster Hall debate to heap pressure on ministers over the lack of cash and the red tape they say gets in the way of tackling the issue.

North Norfolk MP Steffan Aquarone (Image: Steffan Aquarone)

North North Liberal Democrat MP Steffan Aquarone organised Wednesday afternoon's debate and urged flooding minister Emma Hardy to give responsible authorities the ability to set longer term budgets.

He said: "Frustratingly, in many cases, it is not just the money that is lacking, but the necessary power to make change.

"The responsibilities and powers are broken up and siloed across councils, agencies and statutory bodies; all of them have expertise and experience, but it cannot be easily shared between them.

"It seems my residents need all the stars to align to make anything happen, and that will not cut the mustard as water pours into their front rooms and destroys their belongings."

Attleborough was badly hit by flooding (Image: Newsquest)

"I ask simply but kindly: why does it take nine months and two public meetings to decide what to do and how to spend the money we already have?"

He said: "In the words of my local water management director, we have to make maintenance sexy."

While the work of the Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance and internal drainage boards were praised, there were calls to cut the bureaucracy which prevents action.

Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman (Image: Richard Townshend Photography)

Mid Norfolk Conservative MP George Freeman, who wants a summit to tackle the issue, said: "There are 36 organisations in Norfolk – just in Norfolk – tasked with and sharing responsibility for dealing with flooding.

"And basically, none of them are able to take responsibility properly. I’ll be kind, the buck gets passed. People have had enough."

Waveney Valley MP Adrian Ramsay (Image: Newsquest)

Green MP Adrian Ramsay, who represents Waveney Valley, called for "no more buck passing and that nature-based solutions get a proper focus and attention".

Responding to the debate Ms Hardy said: "Am I going to make maintenance sexy? Well, I am going to do my best to make maintenance sexy."

She said reforms were promised and that the government had allocated £50m to internal drainage boards and £60m to storm-affected farmers.