Nine homes flooded in Melton borough after Storm Dennis strikes

Melton Borough Council has today (Monday) confirmed the scale of the challenge its flood wardens faced with many roads impassable.

The authority said wardens and councillors monitored the situation, checking water levels and offering advice to residents and business owners.

The main areas affected in the borough were Redmile, Bottesford and Long Clawson.

A spokesperson for the borough council told the Melton Times: “Sandbags were deployed to households at greatest risk of flooding in Redmile, Harby and Long Clawson, while Bottesford made use of the local supply we have ready for such an emergency.

“The sand bags at Bottesford will be replenished today.

“Today we also have officers out and about in those areas knocking on doors of those who have been impacted to offer additional support where we can.

“We understand that 10 properties were flooded, nine residential and one business, all caused by surface water not as a result of high rivers.

“There were 16 calls over the weekend to our out-of-hours phone line, many of which involved liaison with our partners at highways, the Environment Agency and emergency services, who we continue to work with closely.”

Leicestershire County council’s highways teams received 130 reports of flooding on roads across the county over the weekend and 33 road closures remain in place this afternoon.

Councillor Blake Pain, county council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “Extra highways team were on duty 24/7 over the weekend helping to close roads and clear drains.

“We’re still monitoring the weather and would urge drivers to check before they travel and take care.”

Toby Willison, executive director of operations at the Environment Agency, said: “Every home flooded is a tragedy for that family and our hearts go out to all those who have been flooded during Storm Dennis.

“Our teams will continue to work 24/7, alongside the police, fire and rescue and local authorities to reduce the risk of flooding and keep communities safe.

“We expect disruptive weather into the middle of this week bringing a significant flood risk.

“With the effects of climate change, we are seeing more frequent periods of extreme weather. It is important for people to be aware of their flood risk and stay safe by signing up for flood warnings, making a flood plan and remembering not to drive or walk through flood water – it’s not worth the risk.”

Motorists are advised to follow Area Traffic Control on Twitter or visit www.one.network/ for the latest information for latest information on flooded roads in Leicestershire.