People affected by floods in Leicestershire can get help at drop-in sessions

Flooding in Blaby

A series of drop-in events are being organised to support people in Leicestershire affected by recent flooding. The events will provide an opportunity for residents and businesses to discuss their experiences, receive advice on flood preparedness and learn about recovery efforts in the community, said a spokesperson for LeicestershireCounty Council, which is organising the events.

Representatives from the county council, the Environment Agency, district and borough councils, water companies and other organisations will be present, said the spokesperson. The first event will take place at Loughborough Town Hall on Wednesday, February 28, from 2pm-7pm, with further events in Blaby, Melton and Syston.

Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, county council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We know that residents and businesses have been hit incredibly hard by these recent storms. All of the local councils and agencies are working closely together on the response to flooding and these drop-in sessions are a key part of our continued efforts. We’d like to thank local people for their ongoing resilience, co-operation, and pulling together to support each other during such challenging circumstances. I would encourage everyone who was impacted by the flooding to come along and speak to the agencies involved in the event.”

READ MORE Claims new Lidl would ‘kill off’ trade in town centre dismissed in report

The spokesperson said the council was also encouraging people to let others affected by flooding in their Leicestershire community know about the events. While the events have been organised with the worst-hit communities in mind, they are open to all members of the public, said the spokesperson.

Around 650 homes were flooded across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland during storm Henk, with 70 roads closed and more than 100 incidents attended by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service. Flood-hit householders and businesses can now also apply for Government funding to help them get back on their feet following Storm Henk at: https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/flood-funding

The county council will also soon be announcing details on how to apply for a property flood resilience grant, the spokesperson said.