More help for flood victims pledged

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears, Health Secretary Alan Johnson and new Floods Minister John Healey toured flood-hit areas in Sheffield and Hull as calls grew for direct financial aid for the worst-affected places.

In Hull civic leaders claimed they are the "forgotten city" in this crisis and are facing a bill which could well top £200 million.

Mr Johnson, who was touring Hull in his capacity as a local MP, said: "The important thing is for John (Healey) to be here, to talk to people about their issues, and to get a first-hand experience of the devastation caused in Hull. I am confident we will receive the help we need."

He added that it was "frustrating" to hear talk of Hull being the "forgotten city" because MPs in Hull had been "in the thick of it", filling sandbags and visiting crisis centres. He said the floods had been "devastating" but added: "There is a great community spirit in Hull. We are going to pull together and recover from this."

Leader of Hull Council Carl Minns, who has criticised the lack of coverage about Hull, said he was pleased further help was on its way. He said the flood had caused "devastation, lives wrecked, families ruined, and a lot of heartache".

He added: "I'm very encouraged by the response from the minister. I've confidence that he won't let us down."

Earlier Mr Minns angrily denounced the lack of attention Hull had received, asking what would have happened if parts of London has been flooded to the same extent.

Around 17,000 properties in Hull have been affected by the floods and 10,500 homes have been evacuated.

Mr Healey joined Mr Johnson and Hull North MP Diana Johnson on a tour of Sydney Smith School, which was hit by 4ft of water in the floods. Also at the school, Mr Healey said: "There is Government help here already and there will be more on the way." He said he would "bang heads together" across central Government if necessary.