THE Environment Secretary made a surprise visit to Canvey’s pumping stations in the wake of the storms.

Elizabeth Truss, the new Environment Secretary, and Paul Leinster, head of the Environment Agency, visited Canvey on Friday afternoon.

They saw the aftermath of the storm, which saw two months rainfall in a few hours.

Mrs Truss said: “I am pleased I was able to visit Canvey island to see for myself what happened there and to hear about the issues facing its residents firsthand.

“I want to know exactly why the island continues to experience flooding, as recently as last week.

“I have asked the department, involving the Government’s chief scientist, to investigate and report back to me.”

Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris arranged the visit.

Mrs Truss and Mr Leinster visited the pumping station at Leigh Beck.

Mrs Harris said Mrs Truss wants action to be taken – not just another report written.

She said: “The Environment Secretary was incredibly supportive and the fact she came to Canvey shows she really takes this seriously.

“There’s a huge amount of anger about what happened on Sunday and the Secretary was extremely encouraging.

“There needs to be a programme of action.

“This has shown the organisations involved that they have got to really step up to the plate.”

“Sunday’s floods cannot be allowed to happen again and all the agencies involved need to start talking now.”

Mrs Truss also reiterated her support for an independent investigation with the Government’s chief scientific advisor and Defra. It is hoped the inquiry will be underway by September.

Mrs Harris is urging residents to e-mail her at rebecca.harris.

mp@parliament.uk if their homes have been affected by the most recent flood.