RESIDENTS GIVE THEIR VIEWS
Nick Clegg held a short meeting with residents and business owners in Yalding who were affected by the floods.
Many were speaking before the backward step on county council funding was revealed.
They included Trish Oyler, who lives off Benover Road.
The 68-year-old said: “It’s fantastic news and it will happen. I know it will.
“We have great faith in the government and also the county council who are matching the funding.
“We have all pulled together and helped people affected, but we can’t take any more. It’s very important this is done. It’s not a case of we need it, we have to have it.
“You try to think this can’t happen again so quickly, but in the back of your mind when the river rises a part of you says ‘oh no, not again’.”
Jane Bird, who lives near the Anchor Inn, added: “The news is excellent and helpful.
“My husband and I are not back to normal yet, but we are getting there.”
Celia Gudgeon, of Benover Road, who did not meet Mr Clegg, has reservations.
She said: “New defences are no good to me, I’m 70. I probably won’t be here when it’s built and it’s going to flood before then.”
And Henry Long, 78, who runs the Anchor Inn near Little Venice, said: “When I was flooded in 2000, and 2003, Tony Blair said ‘don’t worry, everything will be done’.
“Since then I’ve not been able to get insurance - 2020 will be a long time for things to be done.”