Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Henry Smith MP, welcomed the significant investment in the Upper River Mole Flood Alleviation Scheme which is starting to protect Crawley homes and businesses.
Henry commented after speaking in Parliament:
“I am pleased that significant investment has been made to protect our homes and businesses from the threat of flooding in Crawley. In the recent past, flooding has caused major disruption and damage locally. I remember only too well as a then councillor trying to help many residents in the early hours of the morning in November 2000 as the terrifying situation faced by many residents unfolded with homes being gutted by flood water.
“Gatwick Airport is also very vulnerable to flooding which, should it cause its closure, would disrupt thousands of passenger’s journeys and have a negative impact on our local economy as a whole.
“Therefore, I am delighted that this significant investment has been made to negate the risk of flooding in our town. The Upper River Mole Flood Alleviation Scheme, has already included work on the dams in Tilgate Park and Ifield.
“These actions will protect our town from flooding for many years to come, though I am hoping we have had our share of the rain, for this summer at least.”