Mick Bates AM condemns Labour's lack of commitment to tackling flooding

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 26th Sep 2007

"Times they are a-changing" and "don't criticise what you can't understand" - this was the call by Mick Bates today as he condemned the Assembly Labour Government for their lack of understanding on the need to combat severe impacts of flooding.

Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson Mick said: "Flooding has devastating effects on local businesses and residents. I'm worried about the lack of commitment the Assembly Government has shown to mitigating the impact of flooding on local communities.

"We need to invest in flood risk management and establish strong schemes to deal with the aftermath of flooding. Over half a million people live on flood plains - they need increased access to support available for flood defences.

"The Assembly Government must accept the hard call that flooding is also about the wider issue of climate change. By reducing carbon emissions and using renewable resources we can lessen the impact that floods have on our communities."

End/ Diwedd