Local Euro MP sees Hull flood damage at first hand and says coordination needed to access EU funds

12.34.29pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 6th Jul 2007

Hull's Liberal Democrat Euro MP, Diana Wallis, has seen at first hand the extent of the flood damage in the city today and is urging the Government to start to prepare for an application for EU assistance for the city and other parts of Yorkshire.

After the visit to see householders in Bransholme and later a local primary school, Diana Wallis MEP said:

"It was very sad to see the dreadful damage to people's homes and to local schools. However, I was heartened to see the work done at a local level to move the community on. Clearly though there is still a long way to go.

"I welcome the additional attention finally being paid to Hull by Government. The main issue now is to coordinate information and assistance across Yorkshire and indeed other flood affected areas in the country, specifically with a view to accessing the 'EU Solidarity Fund' to which only the Government can make an application.

"I would like assurances that steps are underway to prepare an application to the Fund within the 10 week deadline. This is after all a major natural disaster.

"My main concern is that UK governments have a history of failure when it comes to applications to the EU Solidarity Fund, as the two previous applications have both unsuccessful.

Notes on EU Solidarity Fund

One of the circumstances the EU Solidarity Fund can be used for what is deemed a 'major disaster' i.e. direct damage of £2 billion.

The fund is for non/insurable damages such as rescue services, accommodation, clean up, and replacing infrastructure such as drinking water, waster water, transport, telecoms and health and education.

The fund must be applied to by the Government within 10 weeks of the first incident.

Photo shows Diana Wallis MEP (centre) with Bude Park Primary School Headteacher, Mrs. Helen Miller and Liberal Democrat Council leader, Councillor Carl Minns. Bude Park is one of the many schools in Hull which has suffered considerable flood damage and which remains closed.