FLOOD WARNING EXTENSION DOESN'T GO FAR ENOUGH - FARRON

12.00.00am GMT Tue 9th Feb 2010

Tim Farron has this morning welcomed the announcement that telephone flood warnings will now automatically go to residents living in areas at risk of being flooded by river or lake water.

However, Tim has called on the Environment Agency and the water companies to extend these warnings to properties that could be at risk of surface water flooding as well.

"I'm glad that the Environment Agency has agreed to our request that automatic flood warnings should now be sent out, not just to those who have opted-in to the scheme. However, it is unfair that those residents whose homes are at risk of flooding from ground water, drains or sewers should be left out. Its surely within the capability of the technology available to both Environment Agency and United Utilities to ensure that all residents and businesses at risk of flooding are given this crucial early warning of flood risk."

Tim Farron - who is also the shadow Defra Secretary for the Liberal Democrats - has written to Defra Secretary Hilary Benn to ask him to ensure that automatic warnings go to all homes and businesses at risk.