Minister takes a first look at flood homes

HOUSING Minister Yvette Cooper visited the flood-hit Doncaster village of Toll Bar yesterday – the first time she has set foot in any of the communities affected by the flood.

During her visit she said she had taken on board advice from an insurance watchdog about the wisdom of building homes on flood plains.

She said: "I think that the way people are coping is amazing – it's good to see people pulling together."

After a briefing in the council's temporary housing office on the Manor Estate, the minister visited Sharon Sanderson in the caravan that she has been told could be her home for as long as 18 months.

"I was born in Toll Bar and it'll take more than a flood to get me out," Sharon said. "You've got to keep your chin up."

On a bright sunny day, Sharon said she'd gone from wearing wellies to shoes and then sandals over the last few weeks.

She added that she was impressed by what Ms Cooper had to say to her.