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Environment Agency denies staff withdrawn after 'abuse'

The Environment Agency (EA) has denied that it is pulling staff out of flood-hit Wraysbury after reports they suffered abuse from members of the community.

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Union blames Pickles for 'hostility' suffered by staff

The hostility from residents in flood-hit Wraysbury is a direct result of the irresponsible attack by Eric Pickles and others on the Environment Agency, the GMB union have claimed.

Justin Bowden, GMB National Officer for the Environment Agency (EA) said:

This report of hostility from the residents on the Thames is a direct result of the irresponsible attack by Eric Pickles and others on the EA.

His incitement has led to the very people on the frontline who are actually helping to alleviate the situation bearing the brunt of people's frustrations.

For more than seven weeks since Christmas the Environment Agency's staff have been run ragged helping and supporting the victims of flooding.

GMB members have been working double and triple shifts around the clock to protect and assist.

It is noted by these staffs that the Prime Minister has repeatedly refused to say the proposed cut of another 1,700 jobs at the EA will be reversed.

Ms Bowden said the Government must immediately reverse the "ludicrous cut" of 1,700 EA jobs and review funding to ensure the budget could cope with flooding and drought.

Read: Environment Agency withdraw from village after 'abuse'

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Environment Agency denies staff withdrawn after 'abuse'

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