Residents barred from Hilary Benn meeting
STANDING alone amid MPs, councillors and farming officials, one homeowner protested against a decision not to allow residents into top-level talks about flooding.
Simon Taylor, from Stone Creek near Sunk Island, wanted to take part in a meeting between the Secretary of State for the Environment Hilary Benn, MPs, councillors and farming representatives.
They gathered in Hedon yesterday to discuss Environment Agency plans that could see large areas of East Yorkshire left unprotected from flooding.
However, despite his best efforts, Mr Taylor was not allowed into the meeting about the proposals, which will see maintenance of some flood defences withdrawn and no compensation for loss of land and property.
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Up to 2,000 homes could be affected in areas including Easington, Sunk Island, Hessle, North Ferriby and Brough.
Mr Taylor said: "A lot of people are going to be affected by these plans, yet residents do not have a voice at this meeting.
"Councillors and farmers were allowed in, but what about the people whose homes are going to flood? It is as if they are more important than us.
"We are scared stiff our homes will be flooded. I made a lot of phone calls to try to get in, but to no avail."
The meeting was organised by MP Graham Stuart to voice objections against the agency's Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy.
Mr Stuart said: "We made sure the minister knows we believe this strategy is flawed.
"If we do that, I believe we can win this fight for the homes and land in East Yorkshire."
Mr Benn said he had listened carefully to the issues raised at the meeting, which was held at Hedon Town Hall.
He said: "We all acknowledge we are dealing with climate change and rising sea levels and there is a lot of concern about how we deal with that.
"We are trying to manage uncertainty, but we will continue to maintain as many defences as possible.
"The meeting was very productive and I am sure we will discuss these issues further."
Mr Taylor was assured by Mr Stuart that residents would get their chance to raise concerns at another meeting to be held on Wednesday, October 29, at Hedon Town Hall.
Comments
by Norman, Hull
Thursday, September 11 2008, 2:10PM
“I hope someone remembered to ask him how much was spent saving the Benn residence from flooding and the cost of him flying to and from Bali to pontificate on so called climate change. In addition how about the 75m given to Pakistan to "study climate change" Put all that money to protecting this coastline and I'll let you into a secret for nothing.------------- The climate has been changing daily since
the world began and will continue to do so.”
by Todd, Beverley
Thursday, September 11 2008, 1:41PM
“Democracy in action yet again!
You'll always find that when politicians hold meetings 'in camera' they are up to no good! (Not that they are up to any good anyway)
When will these upstarts realise that they were voted in to represent the electorate?
It doesn't matter which party they represent or whether they are in local or central government they always forget who put them there!
It seems that their main concern is to feather their own nests & screw the public!”
by Rob, Hull
Thursday, September 11 2008, 12:22PM
“Democracy in action!
I expect the participants had a Common Purpose, and as such met their requirements. The people afftected by the decisions made at this meeting cannot be allowed to have any say. They would not nor could not understand the decisions made on their behalf by their betters.
This is the way politics works now. You have no say, no involvement, and a small political clique take the decisions they "know" are best for you on your behalf without consulting anyone else.
They have a Common Purpose, and you all need to shut up and do as you are told.”
by Kev, Hull
Thursday, September 11 2008, 11:02AM
“Mick your spot on, Yes its central government who then tell local government to keep to central governments demands, Like keeping the locals in the dark to stop racist comments or activists stirring up trouble in communties!”
by George, Hull
Thursday, September 11 2008, 10:55AM
“It's not just the government who ban freedom of speech, yesterday there were 2 stories (The Pearson Park incident & the Hull FC palyers wife) were the comments were all deleted because of the mention of immigration & asylum seekers.
It seems we all do have freedom of speech except white, English taxpayers !”
by Mick, Hull
Thursday, September 11 2008, 10:32AM
“Another classice example of freedom of speech been barred by this government! Yet they wonder why we accuse them of not giving us the full facts!”