MP hears residents' flooding experiences

Residents impacted by recent flooding met with their MP to share experiences and question officials on flood prevention and warning systems.

About 70 people from the Venture Park estate in Kettering in Northamptonshire met to discuss the flooding caused at Slade Brook during November's Storm Bert.

Representatives from North Northamptonshire Council, the Environment Agency (EA) and the Association of British Insurers were also at Kettering Park Hotel and Spa on Saturday.

Labour MP for Kettering, Rosie Wrighting, said: "Flooding devastates communities and it's incredibly important that lessons are learned, actions are taken and that local people have their voices heard."

The meeting followed concerns Ms Wrighting had raised last year after official flood warning texts were sent to residents only after their homes had already been flooded.

Officials outlined their response to the flooding and the lessons learned before residents were given the opportunity to share their experiences and ask questions.

An EA spokesperson said after the meeting it was "actively working with the community and partner organisations" to understand the timings of the flooding and sources of flooding.

"This will inform changes to the current flood warning trigger point or whether we need to create a new bespoke warning for this area," they explained.

"We always carry out a review after flood warnings are issued to see if any improvements are needed for the future, to ensure the service is as accurate and timely as possible for people."

Among those at the meeting was Emma Walker, a resident of Stratfield Way, whose home was flooded in November.

She contacted Ms Wrighting's office for help in removing flood-damaged belongings and the council later arranged their disposal.

"I'm pleased this meeting was held so residents could share their concerns. It's reassuring to know that support is available," said Ms Walker.

Ms Wrighting added: "I will continue working to ensure that communities in Kettering are supported and that solutions are found to reduce the impact of flooding."

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