Minister takes a first look at flood homes

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.

She said: "At first we weren't impressed with the way the council was dealing with the floods but once they got their act together they were great. But we'll be keeping a close eye on them and holding them to their promises."

Ms Cooper said: "I wanted to come here because I was keen to see the progress that had made for myself.

"Restoring things will not just be a quick fix – it will involve major refurbishment. I'm clear that we've got to follow this through.

"Seeing your home in the state Sharon's is in must be a dreadful feeling – it's your home, your roots, your base.

"The government has already committed 46 million to help restore flood-hit areas and councils can put in for more if there's a need.

"We've also committed hundreds of millions of pounds to improving Doncaster's housing stock."

When questioned on the Association of British Insurers advice to the Government last week that it was unwise to build new housing on flood plains, the minister replied: "The association strongly support the reforms to housing the Government made last year and I want to make it clear that there are some areas where houses shouldn't be built.

"We will be working closely with the association to ensure that homes are safer in future."