They took the Minister to see the Ravenside retail estate which had suffered flood damage, the Horns Bridge roundabout where flooding cut the town off from its main access to the M1 motorway, and to local houses in Alna Street.
Following the visit, John Healey said:
"Earlier today I came to Chesterfield to see for myself some of the damage caused by the floods. I have seen where Chesterfield was cut off due to flooding at the Horns Bridge roundabout, heard how the Ravenside Retail Park was under six foot of water and also the damage caused to local homes. The Council Leader has explained how well the local agencies responded to the floods and I congratulate them for that.
"Earlier this week the Prime Minister appointed me as the Minister responsible to co-ordinate the government's contribution to the recovery efforts. So my job now is to ensure that the local council and other agencies who lead the recovery work have got the support they need to be able to do that. As part of this I will feedback to Ministerial colleagues across Government what I have seen and heard today in Chesterfield - including the challenges that are still being faced.
"There is already help in place through a Government scheme to reimburse local authorities for certain costs and also financial help for the public to help pay for immediate living expenses and essential items. But I acknowledge more needs to be done. That's why we are working with the local authorities to get a full assessment of the damage - importantly including what will and will not be covered by insurance. As the Prime Minister said this morning there will be further help on its way and we plan to announce more support shortly."
"There is a real determination to work together so that the community can return to normal as soon as possible."
