Experts voice flood defence fears

Scenes like this are expected more in the future

Flood defence experts in England have written to the government to voice their "deep concern" about the maintenance of defences in the future.

They say much more money is needed for improvements or flooding will cost the country and the economy dearly.

The letter, sent to Environment Secretary Hilary Benn, has been signed by the chairmen of all the flood defence committees in England.

In it, they say they cannot overstate the impact the recent flooding had.

They give the example of Sheffield and Rotherham, South Yorkshire, which came very close to losing all their power for an extended period.

The chairmen add that the growing intensity of extreme weather events means flooding will become more frequent and that current levels of funding are not sufficient to carry out the work that is needed.

Projects on hold

The letter calls for more investment to manage the problem because, they say, the country has no choice but to adapt to its changing climate.

It was contained in the minutes of the meeting of the Yorks Regional Flood Defence Committee, which has been taking place in Leeds.

The Environment Agency says it will need to spend £750m a year over the next three years to protect areas threatened by floods.

The amount currently offered by the government falls short, meaning a number of projects have been put on hold.

These include a £100m scheme for Leeds, and plans to replace York's defences, which have been deemed inadequate.

The agency also estimates that it needs £150m a year over the next 10 years just to bring its existing assets up to standard.