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MP hears residents' flooding experiences

Office of Rosie Wrighting MP Lots of people sat in a meeting room looking at a blonde haired women in a blue jumper and black trousers holding papers.Office of Rosie Wrighting MP
Rosie Wrighting MP (centre) held the meeting for constituents on an estate affected by recent flooding

Residents impacted by recent flooding met with their MP to share experiences and question officials on flood prevention and warning systems.

About 70 people from the Venture Park estate in Kettering in Northamptonshire met to discuss the flooding caused at Slade Brook during November's Storm Bert.

Representatives from North Northamptonshire Council, the Environment Agency (EA) and the Association of British Insurers were also at Kettering Park Hotel and Spa on Saturday.

Labour MP for Kettering, Rosie Wrighting, said: "Flooding devastates communities and it's incredibly important that lessons are learned, actions are taken and that local people have their voices heard."

PA Media A birds eye view of Billing Aquadrome near Northampton, where dozens of modular homes can be seen partially submerged in flood water. Trees can be seens and houses in the backgroundPA Media
The effects of Storm Bert were felt most acutely in the county at Billing Aquadrome holiday park near Northampton

The meeting followed concerns Ms Wrighting had raised last year after official flood warning texts were sent to residents only after their homes had already been flooded.

Officials outlined their response to the flooding and the lessons learned before residents were given the opportunity to share their experiences and ask questions.

The EA acknowledged the need to work with local residents to improve its flood warning system in the area.

Among those in attendance was Emma Walker, a resident of Stratfield Way, whose home was flooded in November.

She contacted Ms Wrighting's office for help in removing flood-damaged belongings and the council later arranged their disposal.

"I'm pleased this meeting was held so residents could share their concerns. It's reassuring to know that support is available," said Ms Walker.

Ms Wrighting added: "I will continue working to ensure that communities in Kettering are supported and that solutions are found to reduce the impact of flooding."

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