Action plans to tackle Leicestershire's worst-hit flooded areas 'desperately needed'

Joe Giddens/PA Wire
-Credit:Joe Giddens/PA Wire


Clear action to tackle Leicestershire's worst-hit flooded areas is "desperately needed” according to one council leader. "Tangible action" from key agencies responsible for managing flooding is also required according to Councillor Jewel Miah.

Coun Miah, the leader of Charnwood Borough Council (CBC), has called for the change in an open letter to Leicestershire County Council, the Environment Agency, and the Canal and River Trust after around 300 homes and businesses were flooded in the district earlier this month. The CBC leader said January's floods had caused a “huge amount of distress” in Charnwood and that now “clear action… is desperately needed”.

In the letter, Cllr Miah called for a clear set of flood prevention initiatives for the most-affected areas. He asked for plans to be established as a "minimum" for areas such as Sileby, Syston, East Goscote, Barrow Upon Soar, Mountsorrel, Quorn and Loughborough.

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Flooding in Loughborough caused 'huge distress', Councillor Miah said
Flooding in Loughborough caused 'huge distress', Councillor Miah said -Credit:Charnwood Borough Council / Joe Giddens / PA Wire

A CBC spokesperson said these flood plans could also include Barkby, Rearsby, Cossington and Thrussington. The council is calling for action after investigations into the January 2024 floods caused by Storm Henk have yet to be completed.

Cllr Miah also said confirmation of investigations into this year’s floods was needed and set an ongoing commitment from Charnwood Borough Council to work in partnership with others to tackle flooding. He said: “I am writing to you following the recent flooding in Charnwood in January 2025.

“This terrible event came almost 12 months to the day from the flooding caused by storm Henk. These two flooding events were both very significant and have caused a huge amount of distress for those affected and for the wider communities.

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“As a local councillor whose ward is badly affected by the flooding and as Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, I can appreciate the very significant concerns and frustration of our residents and businesses. Therefore, I am urging all agencies to engage with the issue and to take action.

“We need tangible action from the agencies primarily responsible for preventing and mitigating the effects of flooding. I appreciate significant measures may take time, and in the meantime we need to support our communities to be as flood resilient as possible, but it is clear action that is desperately needed.

"I also reiterate my call on the government to open the Flood Framework to provide grants and support to local residents and businesses.” To see the full letter, visit the CBC website.

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