There will be "disastrous" consequences for Canvey with the abolition of Essex flood defence committee, a leading councillor has claimed.

Tracey Chapman, Essex County Council executive councillor for community safety and emergency planning, condemned the Government decision to merge the Essex committee with those of Norfolk and Suffolk.

She was joined by Canvey district and county councillor Ray Howard at yesterday's county hall meeting in voicing fears islanders will lose the exceptional expertise obtained in the last 30 years.

Conservative Mrs Chapman, who represents Rochford, said: "It is not acceptable. Essex will only have four members on the new committee. Southend and Thurrock will have to share a member between them. We will lose an exceptional amount of local expertise."

Published Wednesday July 14, 2004

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