Authorities Meet After Little Bowden Flooding

Authorities have met today to discuss the serious flooding in Little Bowden on Sunday evening.

Leicestershire County Council organised the talks through its role as as the Lead Local Flood Authority.

Representatives from the Environment Agency and Harborough District Council were among those in attendance, along with volunteer Flood Wardens.

The multi-agency partnership meeting came after over 20 properties flooded when the River Jordan burst its banks, after rising to its highest level on record during Storm Burt.

The Cherry Tree pub and Scout Hut were among those affected.

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, told HFM it is vital what happened is investigated:

Emergency crews on Kettering Road during the flooding

Some residents had to be evacuated by boat after the flooding blocked all roads in and out of Little Bowden and stretched to Springfield Street in Market Harborough

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien is also set to met council bosses after hearing from those affected:

Flooding at the Kettering Road/Springfield St roundabout

Staff from the Environment Agency have been in Little Bowden and have removed debris from the river, which was caught on low tree branches when the water level rose.

A spokesperson told HFM: “We are aware of reports of properties flooding in the area and empathise with the communities in Market Harborough and Little Bowden.

“Our officers have attended the area today and removed a blockage in West Brook.

“We will continue to work closely with local partners in the coming days.”

Harborough Flood Action Group which is made-up of volunteers, including Flood Wardens is also set to organise a meeting to hear first-hand the experiences of residents who suffered flooding.

Simon Hobbs is one of the volunteer Flood Wardens in Little Bowden and assisted residents during Sunday’s flood: