Somerset residents recovering from major floods invited to drop-in event
Communities in South Somerset can have their say on flood provision
People and businesses impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding are being invited by Somerset Council to drop-in events.
Work is ongoing to clear roads, debris and mud in the south of the county after a major incident was declared in January.
"Nearly 17,000 people and 9,000 properties were warned about flood risk during Storms Éowyn and Herminia," said the Environment agency, "in Somerset alone, 30 flood warnings were issued."
In an effort to give advice to local people and offer an opportunity to give feedback, the council is hosting three events in Chard, Ilminster and South Petherton.
The Flood and Coastal Team, the Environment Agency, Wessex Water and the Somerset Rivers Authority will attend, able to offer support and answer questions.
"We understand that our communities are still feeling the effects of the recent flooding," said Councillor Graham Oakes, Lead Member for Climate Change and the Environment.
"Since the major incident, teams from the council have been supporting families to return to normality.
"We know families have been affected in many different ways and we’ve set up these events to give everyone the opportunity to find out about the support available."
Jean Pas, owner of Prima Moda Brides in Ilminster, was severely impacted by the extreme weather.
After losing 200 gowns to water and mud, Jean re-opened on the 25th February, a month after the storm.
"It was hard work," Jean said, "it's been weeks of getting things sorted, the gowns sorted, cleaning mud from the walls - it's been a nightmare.
"I really don't think there was anything we could have done.
"People two doors down have been here for forty years and they were also flooded - they've never seen anything like it before."
Jean will be one of several businesses attending the event and calling for stronger infrastructure.
"The drains need to be assessed more often. We cannot keep building things without the infrastructure being updated," she added.
The council information evenings start in Chard on the 26th February at 4pm.