Rutland and Stamford's MP calls for better flood protection measures

Rutland and Stamford's MP says plans to reduce the risk of further flooding need to be far more robust after a number of properties in the region suffered major damage.

Many homes across South Lincolnshire are counting the cost with some properties and businesses were impacted.

At its height a major incident was declared.

It's really heart breaking seeing the flooding

We've been speaking to Alicia Kearns about the flooding earlier this week.

She told us: "One of my initiatives has been what I'm calling the Rutland and Stamford flooding forum - essentially my goal is to help every community or village to have their own flood action group."

"In communities like Greatford we've seen the power of when communities have been empowered - they're able to plan for flooding."

"They've got all the relationships - with the likes of the environment agency - themselves rather than having to go through others."

We need to start making improvements now

"It's really heart breaking seeing the flooding because it's one year on since we had devastating flooding and for many of our communities it must feel like groundhog day".

"We really have to prioritise flooding in our communities because this exceptional rainfall is not going to stop."

"We need to start making improvements now."

"Unfortunately we're seeing homes flooded - we're seeing businesses flooded - pubs flooded."

"We are fortunate we're seeing far fewer people have had to be evacuated this year and far less internal flooding."

"But that doesn't diminish the experience for those that have - flooding is just so awful for families who suffer from it.

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