FORMER GOVERNMENT MINISTER URGES ACTION ON EXMOUTH’s FLOOD DEFENCES

Baroness Lynne Featherstone, the former Coalition Minister and now the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Energy and Climate Change, has urged speedy action to improve Exmouth's flood defences.

Speaking on Friday to East Devon Liberal Democrats at the Royal Beacon Hotel, Exmouth she said: "Climate change is a reality and here in the UK we can expect more extreme weather events, bringing destruction, suffering and even death to local communities. The 2014 storm which struck Exmouth and Dawlish was a wake-up call which cannot be ignored. Among the many measures we need to take as a country to mitigate the dangers and adapt to change, proper flood defences for our residential and business areas are a must. That is why I urge speedy action to improve Exmouth's flood defences."

In her speech, Baroness Featherstone advocated the use of natural solutions to flooding, such as tree planting and tidal lagoons. She also said there should be an end to building on flood plains and a change to planning law which would require all new homes to show that they meet a sustainable drainage requirement.

Baroness Featherstone later joined local Councillors and campaigners to tour Exmouth's seafront and hear details of the proposed flood prevention scheme.