When Short Ferry was last flooded just a few weeks ago, I had talked on site with the National Farmers Union and the Environment Agency.

Clearly a long-term plan is urgently needed to compensate farmers for flood plains.

I am in touch with Minister Robbie Moore MP at DEFRA and he is taking close interest.

Flood banks need proper ongoing maintenance to make sure they are in good working order.

Make hay while the sun shines — it’s no use waiting for floods to find out where the weaknesses lie.