Government 'must help out with floods bill' (From Gazette & Herald)

Government 'must help out with floods bill'

RYEDALE MP John Greenway has written to Roads Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman to demand Government money to rebuild bridges destroyed in the flash floods.

Three bridges have been damaged in the Hawnby area, with another unstable, and Mr Greenway said he estimated the cost of replacing them would be around half a million pounds each.

He has asked the minister for capital grant assistance to be given to North Yorkshire County Council.

"The county council needs help to get the job done as quickly as possible, its own budget is now committed," he said.

Mr Greenway toured Helmsley and surrounding villages on Monday. He said he understood temporary bridges would be put in place.

He has also spoken to the Association of British Insurers, which is confident its members will be able to deal with claims in a fairly straightforward way. The damage from the floods is estimated to cost around £3 million to £4 million.

"The claims should be easily handled, but if anyone has a problem, they should get in touch with me," said Mr Greenway.

He added: "There may well be things that have been damaged which weren't insured or can't be insured, and we may need to form some kind of group to get some fundraising activity together.

"But for now, our number one priority is the roads, and we need to strike while the iron is hot and get Government help while it is in the forefront of people's minds."

He added: "It's an absolutely appalling mess, I just feel so sympathetic for the people I have seen. Thankfully, there was no loss of life, but I think it's fair to say those involved have the sympathy of the nation."

A highways official said the bridge over the River Rye at Helmsley, which was closed at the height of the flooding, was re-opened on Monday after being declared structurally sound.

Mr Greenway added: "I will do whatever I can to help those who have been so badly affected by the floods," he said.

"The concern for them has been felt over a wide area and everyone in Ryedale feels for their plight because this district has suffered so much over the years from flooding."

Updated: 13:01 Wednesday, June 22, 2005