Having established the Mid Norfolk Flood Partnership back in 2020 (following the heavy rainfall over the 2020 Festival period and in the first few months of 2021), I have actively worked with councillors and local community groups to drive forward work to strengthen Norfolk’s flood resilience and ensure those affected can access the support they need. 

Indeed, most of the 14 recommendations made by the MNFP when it was first begun were adopted by the wider Norfolk Strategic Flood Alliance that was established by Lord Dannatt on behalf of Norfolk County Council – including the creation of the county Flood Helpline that is now in operation as highlighted above.

(Full details can be found on my ‘Flooding and the Mid Norfolk Flood Partnership’ campaign page here) 

With a number of weather warnings out across the county still, this latest rainfall further highlights the need to take our Flood Resilience seriously. It is partly for this reason that I was so vocal in my support for the Norfolk Urban Search and Rescue team based at Dereham, working alongside NCC, Norfolk Fire Service and fellow Norfolk MPs to ensue the service is extended for another year (see more here and here). I will continue to do all I can to advocate for USAR.

There remains much work to be done – and I am committed to working with the NSFA, local councillors and local community groups to progress the collective campaign.