10th March 2008

Labour leaders have today welcomed the news North Lincolnshire Council will receive a £1.5-million cash boost to pay for flood repairs.

Floods Recovery Minister John Healey personally contacted the leader of the Labour-led authority Cllr Mark Kirk to inform him of the decision. In total, the Government has announced a package of £23-million for eight local authorities to repair roads and bridges damaged by floods.

Today’s announcement of an extra £1.5-million brings the total support the Government has given the council to more than £1.7-million since last summer’s storms.

Commenting on the news North Lincolnshire Council has been given a £1.5-million flood relief boost, Cllr Len Foster, deputy leader of the Labour-led authority, said: “I am delighted the Labour government has recognised the need for extra cash to carry out improvements caused by last summer’s storms.  The announcement today by Rosie Winterton and John Healey is fantastic boost for North Lincolnshire. The fact that John Healey spoke to the leader personally speaks volumes.

“It will enable us to repair highways damaged by the storms last summer and is extra money to the cash we announced in our budget.  There is a lot of hard work going on behind-the-scenes and we are working with the Environment Agency on their strategy for the future.

“I would also like to thank our three local MPs, Elliot Morley, Ian Cawsey and Shona McIsaac, for fighting our corner. It goes to show the Government is listening to us.”