Prince of Wales meets with flood-hit villagers

THE Prince of Wales has been visiting the flooded Somerset Levels today (Tuesday, February 4, 2014) and meeting local farmers and villagers.

His Royal Highness used the emergency boat serving the flooded communities of Muchelney and Thorney to reach villagers and hear directly from them about the impact of the flooding on their lives and livelihoods over the past five weeks.

He said it had been a “tragedy” that nothing had been done about the flooding problems.

PHOTO - TOP: Prince of Wales' visit to the Somerset Levels as it was being reported on the BBC today.

PHOTO - RIGHT: The flooded area around Muchelney. This photo was taken a couple of weeks ago.

Cllr Mike Best, chairman of South Somerset District Council, said: “I am delighted that His Royal Highness has been able to see at first hand the impact of the floods on our communities.

“I am sure local people will feel boosted by his visit.  If we cannot stop the rain falling then we have to learn to manage its impact and I cannot think of a more influential voice than the Prince of Wales in helping everyone to focus on positive planning for the future.”

The council’s chief executive, Mark Williams, added: “I would like to thank all the SSDC staff working on the ground to provide help with the flood situation and to reassure people in these South Somerset villages of our continuing support during this crisis and with the clean-up as soon as the waters recede.”

Villagers are now hoping that the Prince of Wales will be able to speak to the “right people” to ensure something is done to stop the Somerset Levels flooding to such an extent in the future.

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