STROUD MP Neil Carmichael this week (January 6) spoke in the House of Commons about the need to encourage agency co-operation to tackle flooding in the Valleys and Vale.

Speaking during questions to the Environment Secretary Owen Paterson, he called for a review of agency co-operation and highlighted key examples from the Stroud constituency, including drainage at Woodchester and sewerage at Slimbridge.

Last week the Conservative backbencher visited areas hit by the recent storms and flooding, including flooded sites at Elmore and on the Berkeley Vale, on the banks of the River Severn.

Speaking during his visit, Neil said: "The recent weather has proved that we need to encourage agencies to work together to prevent future flooding as far as we possibly can.

"The flood defences on the Severn Estuary have by and large been effective, which should be borne in mind as the review of the flood defences continues.

Mr Carmichael will be having a review meeting with the area team of the Environment Agency in the coming weeks, as well as meeting with businesses in Woodchester to discuss flooding this week.