David Ruffley MP has welcomed the announcement by Suffolk County Council that work on the Beyton flood relief scheme is to go ahead in March this year. The work will be done in two stages; the first stage commences in March, the second after harvest this year.

David called and chaired meetings in July and November last year to bring all the parties together to find a solution to this longstanding problem.

The news that work will start next month was announced at a public meeting held on 3 February at Beyton Middle School. It was also announced at that meeting that Beyton Parish Council will contribute £1,000 towards funding the work, a decision that was taken at their meeting on 1 February.

The scheme, which will alleviate the worst flooding problems in Thurston Road, Beyton in the short term, will cost approximately £38,000. Suffolk County Council, Mid Suffolk District Council and the Highways Agency are all contributing to the cost.

Further funding still needs to be raised. A bid has been submitted to DEFRA for government funding but a decision on this will not be made until March.

The road last flooded over the weekend of 16/17 January caused by a combination of heavy rain and melted snow.

David said:

'I am absolutely delighted that work to relieve flooding in Thurston Road, Beyton will start next month. It will make a huge difference to my constituents in Beyton and the surrounding villages.

'As a result of my getting all the parties involved round a table and subsequently working together to find a solution, we have been able to move things forward.

'By working together, we have succeeded in getting things done for the benefit of the local community.'