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Mr Taylor was not allowed into the meeting about the proposals, which will see maintenance of some flood defences withdrawn and no compensation for loss of land and property.

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.