Lib Dems demand investigations into flooding throughout Milton Keynes

The councillors brought the issue to last night’s full council meeting.

Councillors Jane Carr and Vanessa McPake pushed Cabinet to investigate two crucial issues: what pressure is being put on the Environment Agency to prioritise river management, and the opening of gates to balancing lakes, which are crucial in holding flood waters.

Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Douglas McCall warned the council that this issue is not going to go away, but will only worsen with climate change.

He emphasised that the Strategy for 2050, which sets the way for the city’s future, must include references to balancing lakes, river maintenance and assessments of old drainage networks.

“The floods late last year felt different, and we need to know why.” says Councillor McPake, who is the Lib Dem environment spokesperson.

“The council, Environment Agency and every other responsible body need to sit down together to figure out why this happened, and how such a severe flood can hopefully be prevented in the future.”

Councillor Carr said: “During the Christmas floods I saw a street flood in less than an hour. That is why community groups are so crucial. They are first on the scene; they deserve advice and resources that can help them help their community. I will be fighting for this on the council."