Rutland residents asked to share experiences of flooding caused by Storm Henk and Storm Babet

Flood-hit residents are being asked to share their experiences as part of an investigation by a council.

A panel set up by Rutland County Council’s overview and scrutiny committee has launched a county-wide survey to gather information about recent flooding.

Storm Babet in October last year and Storm Henk in January caused widespread disruption and flooded roads and buildings in Rutland.

Coun Christine Wise (Lib Dem), cabinet member for environment at Rutland County Council, said: “January’s floods had a serious impact on the county and were largely unprecedented, in terms of the number of Rutland properties damaged internally.”

A special Rutland County Council meeting was held on January 18, when it was decided further investigations were needed. It was noted that people affected by recent flooding could be without answers for years.

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As part of this work, residents and businesses are being asked to share their experiences of the recent winter floods by completing a online survey on the council’s website.

The aim is for the council to understand what can be learned to help inform the response to future flood events.

This survey is being run alongside a Section 19 investigation – triggered by the number of properties which flooded in Storm Henk.

Coun Lucy Stephenson (Con), chairperson of the flood evidence panel, said: “The recent flood events have understandably given rise to concern.

“It’s imperative that, as a county, we are prepared to manage our response as effectively as possible while also being clear how the impact of future flood events can be mitigated against.

“We are working at pace and are now calling on residents, businesses and key partners to share their experiences and views to shape recommendations that will have a positive impact on flood management in Rutland.”

The survey will run until 5pm on Wednesday, March 27.

To submit your views visit www.rutland.gov.uk/have-your-say/winter-flooding-survey.

Anyone without internet access can take part by calling 01572 722 577 or by collecting a paper copy from the libraries in Ketton, Ryhall, Oakham and Uppingham.