Floods minister Owen Paterson reaffirmed the Government’s support for improving Wiltshire's flood alleviation during a visit to Trowbridge.

During his visit yesterday the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who is the Government Flood Envoy for Wiltshire, spoke to Wiltshire Council officers and partners including the Environment Agency, water authorities and the Highways Agency.

He was told first-hand about the flood alleviation work that has been carried out since the bad weather hit the county earlier in the year. 

It was his third visit to Wiltshire in recent months.

Mr Paterson made assurances that the Government will fully support the council and its partners to make improvements to the county’s flood alleviation, including making extra funding available.

During the most significant wet weather to hit Wiltshire in recent times, the council recorded around 500 properties and 60 businesses which were flooded.

Coun Jonathon Seed, cabinet member with responsibility for flood alleviation said: “We are working closely with agencies and communities to do everything we can to minimise the impact of flooding on local residents and businesses in the future.

“Wiltshire was one of the hardest hit areas through that period of terrible weather and we were pleased to speak to the minister again about the excellent work we have done since then, and will continue to do.

"It was particularly pleasing to hear that the minister will do all that he can to support our efforts. That support will make a huge difference.”