Environment Agency wants more people to sign up for flood alerts

The Environment Agency has said that just one third, or 400, of the 1,200 eligible properties in the centre of the town have been registered to receive the free flood warning advice.

The River Leam flood warning areas include parts of Mill Gardens, Dormer Place, Adelaide Road, Leam Terrace, Willes Road, Mill Road, the Parade, Gullimans Way, Priory Terrace, Victoria Terrace, Bath Street, High Street, Euston Place, Portland Place, Beaconsfield Street, Leam Street, New Street, George Street, Church Street, Archery Road and Princes Drive.

Laura Palmer, a flood resilience team leader for the agency, said: “It’s vital that people are prepared for the next time a flood occurs.

“Registering to receive flood warnings is the first important step, then there are lots of other measures residents and businesses can take to reduce the impact of any future flooding.

“It is important to plan what to do before and during a flood.

“We recommend people have a personal flood plan. Don’t wait until a flood happens, you may not have time.”

Where possible, warnings are issued two hours prior to flooding to give those who are registered time to act to protect themselves and their property.

One in six properties in the UK is at risk of flooding and the agency offers advice to people on how to protect their homes or businesses.

Alerts can be received by landline, mobile phone, text message or email.

To register call 0845 988 1188 or visit environment-agency.gov.uk/floodmidlands