MP calls for Otter Valley flood action

Residents concerned at repeated issue

East Devon's MP is calling for the public bodies involved in the response to last week’s flooding in East Devon to provide further support to residents.
 
Over 60 properties were flooded when the Otter Valley was overwhelmed by intense rainfall of up to 130mm in just a few hours, which was markedly worse than a similar event in 2008. Newton Poppleford, Tipton St John, Metcombe and Venn Ottery were badly affected, with some properties severe damaged.
On Monday MP Simon Jupp met residents of Newton Poppleford and heard their concerns that similar flooding could happen again.

He has now contacted the Environment Agency, Devon County Council, East Devon District Council and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs to push for action.
 
Mr Jupp also held an emergency meeting with school leaders at Tipton St John Primary School, which has been subjected to repeated flooding over the years, with regular requests to move the school to a safer site.   

He said: “I want to put on record my huge thanks to the staff from local councils and various organisations, as well as selfless residents and volunteers, who have been supporting those impacted by the terrible flash floods which occurred last week. It was heart-breaking to see the damage and I will do what I can to help.”