Minister gets floods update

A GOVERNMENT minister will be at the Severn Valley Railway in Bewdley today as part of a visit backing the recovery of the tourism industry as it battles back in the wake of this summer's floods.

Pat McFadden, Minister of State at the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, is visiting the Highley and Bewdley areas to see first hand how parts of the West Midlands have recovered from the flooding.

The Minister will meet members of the local business community at the Severn Centre at Highley in Shropshire to get an update on the work that has been done since June and discuss what more needs to be done to aid the recovery process.

At the SVR, he will see for himself that despite the damage caused, businesses affected by flooding are ready to welcome visitors from all over the country.

Mr McFadden said today's visit was an opportunity for the Government to listen to the concerns of local businesses and learn more about the key issues that need to be resolved.

The visit will particularly focus on tourism operators and the problems they have faced following the floods.

"I want to use today as an opportunity to highlight some of the excellent tourist attractions in the region," he said, "The West Midlands needs the continuing support of both local people and visitors from further field.

"Tourism is a vital component of the regional economy but the sector was badly hit by the floods. It is very important we remind people how diverse and picturesque the West Midlands region is and how many attractions are still open and waiting to welcome visitors.

"I look forward to speaking directly to local businesspeople today to discover first-hand how the flood recovery program is progressing, what has been successful so far and more needs to be done."

Mr. McFadden said the Government, through Advantage West Midlands, had already committed substantial funding to help the area rebuild and to support the local tourism industry.

Among flood damage relief measures Advantage West Midlands has announced is a £750,000 grant towards the repair of the SVR. Report by Express & Star

Published: 3.9.2008