THE MP for Central Devon, Mel Stride, raised the issue of affordable flood insurance during last week's Prime Minister's Questions, following the widespread flooding across the county.

West Devon did not escape the spate of bad weather that affected large parts of Devon towards the end of November, with flood alerts and incidents across the borough, including road closures and the removal of a roof shed at Tongue End Cross.

Provisional figures from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service revealed that in the five days from November 21 to 25, crews were called to deal with 869 flooding incidents.

Speaking in the House of Commons chamber on November 28, Mr Stride said: 'Will my Right Honourable Friend join me in pressing the Association of British Insurers to stop grandstanding in their negotiations with the government on this issue, and to get around the table to thrash out a sensible deal so that my constituents can have access to the affordable insurance they need?'

Following the Prime Minister's visit to Buckfastleigh to see one of the worst affected areas in the county, Mr Stride said: 'It is obviously very traumatic when communities are hit by flooding like this, and now we need to help them with the recovery.

'We have to make sure their insurance pays out, make sure the Environment Agency puts in place good flood defences and make sure there are better warning schemes.'