MP raises concern over 'frightening' flooding

Flood water rose to record levels in Ewyas Harold on Friday

An MP has described the flood damage in a Herefordshire village as "horrendous" - and said he was pushing for solutions.

Homes and businesses in Ewyas Harold suffered widespread devastation in Storm Claudia, with Dulas Brook reaching a record high of 2.9 metres.

Jesse Norman, the MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, said he wanted to see the village made a priority for future flood schemes.

"They were absolutely horrendous scenes - the idea that you've got basically a river, pouring down between the fish and chip shop and the pubs, straight down the centre of Ewyas Harold, doesn't bear thinking about," he said.

The Conservative said his inbox had been "heaving" with emails from people in the village who had contacted him asking for support.

"It's obviously frightening and in some cases devastating for local people, but it's also a tremendous headache in terms of clearing up," he said.

"It should not be outside the bounds of possibility for local and central government to come together and really try to make a difference here.

"If the government are saying they intend to increase spending on capital investment around flooding, let's see it in Ewyas Harold."

Jesse Norman described Ewyas Harold as "one of the hardest hit villages" in England

The Environment Agency said Storm Claudia resulted "in the highest-ever levels being experienced" at Ewyas Harold since the gauge was installed.

Its staff have also been out clearing debris away from watercourses, as part of a wider effort to help the village.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the government was investing a record £7.9bn towards new flood resilience schemes over the next decade, with an estimated 840,000 properties set to benefit.

Ewyas Harold Group Parish Council is already in the process of creating a flood plan for the village, involving volunteer flood wardens and special flooding equipment that the community can use.