Call for better flood protection

Back

The country needs to build a better repertoire of flood-resistant products to protect properties in the country, the Environment Agency (EA) chairman has said.

Lord Chris Smith, speaking at the National Flood Forum annual conference in Birmingham, said the UK industry should develop more products to increase the resilience and resistance of the 5.5 million properties in flood-risk England and Wales.

He also called on building merchants and DIY stores to advise builders and members of the public on how to make properties more immune to flooding in order to enable faster drying and cleaning following flooding.

The environmentalist illustrated the efficiency of flood protection products by quoting the experience of Appleby in Cumbria.

Almost 46 properties of the town deployed individual flood protection barriers as they received flood warning from the EA in November last year.

With water cascading through the main street of the town, the 46 properties remained dry. The products used in that instance were financed by Defra's pilot scheme at a cost of £2,000 or £3,000 per property.

The agency's reviews showed that households and businesses incurred around two thirds of the total costs of the flooding.

Though 95% of businesses had insurance cover, around 25% of members of the public were not covered by home insurance.

Copyright © Press Association 2010

Get a car insurance or home insurance quote now.