Troops to support flooded villagers on Somerset Levels

TROOPS and specialist Army vehicles are to be brought in to help flood-weary villagers on the Somerset Levels.

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said yesterday (Wednesday, January 29, 2014) that amphibious vehicles could be used to support the flood victims.

With more heavy rain expected over the weekend the Somerset Levels have now been under water for about a month with villages such as Muchelney and Thorney badly hit.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “The military officers will help plan what support is needed and where they need it.

“We will then work to make that happen.”

Somerton and Frome MP David Heath said this morning (Thursday, January 30, 2014) on BBC Breakfast TV that it made perfect sense to utilise the Armed Forces they had in the area such as personnel on the "doorstep" at RNAS Yeovilton and those "down the road" at Taunton with 40 Commando Royal Marines.

PHOTO: The floods around Muchelney on the Somerset Levels. Photo supplied by Pete Mooney.

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