The Environment Agency in partnership with Derbyshire County Council is inviting residents and businesses affected by flooding this winter to a series of public drop-in events held during January and February across Derbyshire.
The events will be an opportunity for communities to discuss their concerns and find out more about grants and support available for property flood resilience (PFR) measures and to share their flooding experiences.
The drop-in events will also provide local residents and businesses with the opportunity to find out more about work being undertaken by the Environment Agency and Derbyshire County Council to help reduce flooding in their area; and learn about the Environment Agency’s flood warning system.
Storm Babet in October brought record levels of rainfall to the East Midlands, and several watercourses in Derbyshire recorded record levels. Environment Agency teams worked around the clock to minimise the impacts of flooding where possible by operating flood pumps and clearing watercourses. Although sadly over 1000 properties across Derbyshire have been impacted by flooding this winter.
The Environment Agency are continuing to work with partners across the East Midlands to support communities affected by flooding. The latest events follow a drop-in session already held in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, in December and further sessions will take place across Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire in the near future.
Strategic Senior Flood Risk Management Advisor for the East Midlands Alex McDonald said:
“Our thoughts are with all of those who have experienced flooding, including the residents and business owners who have been impacted by the recent storms. We understand how devastating flooding can be for a community and individuals. We hope that the drop-in sessions provide a chance for residents affected to talk about their experiences and get support through these difficult times.”
Councillor Charlotte Cupit, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, said:
“We know it’s a very difficult time for residents and businesses affected by flooding, and our flood team has been working hard to speak to as many residents and businesses affected by recent flooding as possible.
“These public drop-in sessions will provide an extra opportunity for local people to come along and speak to the relevant agencies about their experience and find out more about the support available, such as the Property Resilience Repair Grant Scheme for property-owners affected by flooding during Storm Babet.
“We’re working hard on getting everything in place to open this scheme up to residents and businesses. Further information on help and support following flooding is available on the county council website – visit derbyshire.gov.uk/
Drop-in events will be hosted in the communities throughout January and February and are open to those from the surrounding areas who would like to attend.
List of events planned:
- Monday 15 January, 2pm to 7pm, Room 107, Strutts Centre, Derby Road, Belper, DE56 1UU
- For communities in Ambergate, Belper, Duffield, Denby, Lower Kilburn, Little Eaton & surrounding areas
- Friday 19 January, 2pm to 7pm, Baslow Village Hall, Nether End, Baslow, DE45 1SR
- For communities in Hathersage, Grindleford, Curbar, Eyam, Stoney Middleton, Beeley, Rowsley & surrounding areas
- Thursday 25 January 2pm-7pm OAP centre at Openacre, Ironville, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG16 5QB
- Pinxton, Pye Bridge, Jacksdale, Ironville & surrounding areas
- Tuesday 30 January, 2pm to 7pm, Ilkeston Town Football Club, New Manor Ground, Awsworth Road, Ilkeston, DE7 8JF
- For communities in Langley Mill, Ilkeston & surrounding areas
- Tuesday 6 February, 2pm to 7pm, The Peveril Centre, Buxton Road, Castleton, Hope Valley, S33 8WP
- For communities in Castleton, Hope, Bradwell & surrounding areas
- Friday 16 February 2pm-7pm Sawley Memorial Hall & Community Centre, Draycott Road, NG10 3FR
- For communities in Breaston, Long Eaton, Sandiacre & surrounding areas