Dear Editor,

Following the terrible weather and flooding that has devastated so many of our coastal communities I sent a letter to the European Commission to make them aware of the difficulties that people in Wales were facing and to check if aid could be available from the EU’s Solidarity Fund.

The response I have been sent by Commissioner Hahn indicates that even when the total damage doesn’t exceed the UK threshold for accessing the Fund, it can be mobilised exceptionally if specific conditions are met and therefore it could be available for affected communities in Wales.

A concerted effort is now required from all levels of Government, to work together to assess the possibility of making an application and to ensure that all avenues are explored, when it comes to finding funds to assist with repairs and rebuilding in affected communities. This is a time for political parties across the spectrum to put differences aside and work together for the good of Wales.

Dr Kay Swinburne MEP