Nobody cares

Richard Norris, of St George's Quay, Lancaster, says he is 'shocked' that his home will receive no special protection from floods - despite the fact that flooding is expected.

And so he has lodged a formal notice of legal action against both the city council and the Environment Agency on the basis of unfair discrimination.

Mr Norris, whose home built in 1849 has a door directly onto the Quay, says the council has a 'duty of care' to protect the building from flooding. But it has taken no action.

"Measures have already been taken to protect river bank properties from flooding upstream from the Millennium Bridge but nothing has been done here," he says.

"I have practical knowledge of local tides. If high tides coincide with a lot of rain, flooding is likely to occur. And so if my home is flooded I will take legal action against the council and the environment agency."

Mr Norris adds: "In September 2003 a sign was put up on the approach road to the Quay saying road ahead liable to tidal flooding. That must have a very serious affect on the value of my property. Under the auspices of the European Court of Human Rights I will seek maximum compensation to include stress and trauma."

Mr Norris' home has never been flooded but he says there is always a risk.

"The council's policy was to save money rather than exercising a duty of care to protect St George's Quay taxpayers. The most satisfactory solution would be if flood protection could be completed before we are flooded or suffer loss or injury."

He wants to hear from residents willing to club together and create a united front. He is hosting a meeting on Monday, January 24, at the Wagon and Horses pub at 7.30pm.

A spokesman for the city council says existing flood defence measures at either end of St George's Quay were introduced following extensive public consultation in 1996.

"Residents were offered a range of options and the chosen scheme was developed and introduced with the support of the Government and the Environment Agency."