Flood experiences shared at event

Harborough has hosted the first of two flooding drop-in events in Leicestershire

Flood victims have been urged to share their experiences to help agencies better understand the extent of flooding in Leicestershire.

Officers from Leicestershire County Council, the Environment Agency and local flood assistant groups came together in Market Harborough to help people become flood ready - and also hear their stories.

Volunteer flood warden Bruce Durham said flood victims in rural areas often felt overlooked and ignored.

Victoria Coombes, the county council's flood risk manager, said: "We want people to understand what their flood risk is - it could be on your way to work, at home or at work - and also to take measures to help protect yourself against flooding."

Flood authorities and community volunteers were on hand to give advice

Representatives from the council, the agency and local flood wardens were on hand to talk to visitors.

Market Harborough county councillor Phil King, who visited the event, said: "Not everyone reports a flooding event and it's really important that we map these incidents as accurately as we can."

Flood warden Bruce Durham said neighbourhood forum, the Harborough Town Hub, had identified about 80 problem areas in and around the town and wanted to help property owners find solutions to flooding.

Following a deluge in Glooston village during Storm Henk earlier this year, they are developing a natural flood management solution over five sq km to control water flowing through the village.

Another flooding drop-in event is due to be hosted by the council at County Hall on 7 November.