Latest flood drop-in session arranged as communities thanked for joining engagement events

Residents have been thanked for turning out to two community engagement sessions to share their knowledge about last month’s flash floods.

More than 100 people attended last week’s drop-in events at Kenton and Topsham, which were among the hardest hit communities during the flooding on Sunday 17 September.

The drop-in sessions provided an opportunity for residents to speak directly to the teams involved in the flood recovery operation and provide them with information on the flooding in their community. It was also a chance for staff from all of the authorities and agencies to discuss flood resilience measures with the communities.

A further drop-in session will be held at Harberton Parish Hall on Tuesday 17 October from 3:45pm-7:15pm.

Information gathered from members of the public at the events will help inform the Flood Investigation Report which Devon County Council will produce over the coming months. This report will aim to highlight the source and extent of flooding and what work would be needed to help make communities more resilient against flooding and reduce the risk of flooding in future.

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Our thanks go to everyone who has come along to these drop-in sessions as the events have been well received and well attended. We’re pleased that people have been able to share information of the flood events to give us a better understanding of how it has impacted their community, and it has been a good opportunity for staff from all of the agencies who attended to speak directly to those affected. We hope that the upcoming event at Harberton will be equally positive.”

Teignbridge Executive Member for Planning Councillor Gary Taylor said: “I would like to thank everyone who attended one of the drop-in events, which helped provide valuable information and ideas on how we can better assist communities in times of flooding. This shared local knowledge will undoubtedly help identify how we can increase resilience in the future, when extreme, unexpected weather events occur in our area.”

Councillor Geoff Jung, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Coast, Country, and Environment, said: "This is the second major flooding event to affect East Devon residents this year. Once again, our staff reacted quickly to support our affected communities. I would encourage anyone affected by these floods to submit relevant information about their experience."

Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “I encourage anyone living in Harberton, Harbertonford or anywhere in the South Hams that was affected by the floods on 17 September to pay a visit to the drop-in session at Harberton Parish Hall on 17 October. The two sessions at Kenton and Topsham have proven useful for residents, providing valuable assistance and information. The event at Harberton should prove equally helpful. Any information you can provide at the drop-in session will be priceless for the Flood Investigation Report being put together by the County Council, which hopefully will reduce the risk of this type of flood ever happening again.”

More than 200 homes were flooded in communities including Ashill, Bradninch, Budleigh Salterton, Clyst St Mary, Cullompton, Dartmouth, Exeter, Harbertonford, Kentisbeare and Uffculme during torrential downpours on Sunday 17 September.

Anyone who would like to submit their information about the flash flooding should email floodrisk@devon.gov.uk