UK News 03-11-2000 Blair Promises Cash For Flood Protection who: Tony Blair what: Visits flood sites where: YORK when: Yesterday snippet: As the Met Office warned of at least five more days of rain, Tony Blair visited flood-hit Shrewsbury, Bewdley and York yesterday to see for himself the devastation caused by the worst wet weather in 50 years. "There`s been a massive investment in flood defences and more is being done," said Mr Blair, inspecting the £8million Foss Barrier where, according to The Yorkshire Post, floodwaters were barely 12in from the top. "Over the next few years we can expect to face this type of situation so we are going to have to put in a lot more investment." "The Environment Agency said 13 severe flood warnings remained on stretches of the rivers Severn, Ouse, Derwent, Dee, Wye and Monnow," reports The Express. "Another 139 areas were on less serious alert, including many areas of the South-East". "It is highly unusual to get two severe storms so close together," said a Met Office spokesman warning of more 70mph gales to come this weekend. "We expect sustained rainfall for many parts of the country and a severe weather warning is in place until Tuesday." Meanwhile, The Express and Mirror both cover the story of enterprising World War II veteran Douglas Billington from Somerset, who has spent three years building a 400 metre-long flood barrier around his home. "Floods drove the last owners out but we were determined to stay put," says Mr Billington, who served on board the battleship HMS King George V in the Far East. "And being surrounded by water makes me feel quite at home, actually." [... more]

What The Papers Say is delivered to thousands of readers every morning by web, WAP and email. Sign up today!