The city council is gathering information on the scale and impact of flooding in the city, following the unprecedented rainfall experienced in Leicester and across the county on 22 June this year.
Council officers are writing to more than 700 households and businesses who are located near to sites known to have flooded in the city, and who haven’t reported flooding themselves.
The information gathered will be used as part of the council’s flood investigation report, which will be published on the council’s website. This will be completed in consultation with Severn Trent Water and the Environment Agency.
The council is also taking the opportunity to tell people about advice and information available on its website, including what to do if affected by flooding, what types of support and services are available and how to prepare for flooding in the future.
This includes advice on products that can be purchased to help protect buildings; how to register for free flood and weather warnings from the Environment Agency and the Met Office; and a reminder on the importance of insuring both buildings and contents should the worst happen.
Martin Fletcher, Leicester City Council's director of highways said: “The storm we experienced on 22 June brought with it some of the most intense rainfall in recent memory.
“The extremely heavy rain overwhelmed drainage systems leading to standing water accumulating in streets and flash flooding.
“We received a high volume of calls, and our highways emergency teams were despatched to deal with issues as they arose. We know that a number of properties experienced flooding, and a rest centre was set to help those affected.
“We believe that other properties we are not aware of may have also been flooded, and it’s important that we establish where these properties are, not least so we can share information with them that may help them in the future.
“Unfortunately, due to climate change, we are likely to see more of these kinds of extreme and unpredictable weather events. People should consider how they can prepare and protect their home to minimise the risk of flood damage and make sure they have insurance if flooding cannot be prevented.”
More information, and details of how to report flooding are available on the council’s website.
