LEICESTER City Council has published its statutory report on the flooding that affected more than 150 properties in the city at the beginning of 2024.
Like many areas across central and southern England, Leicester was hit by heavy and prolonged rainfall when Storm Henk hit on 2 January.
In Leicester, exceptionally high rainfall levels of 28mm were recorded on the first day of the storm.
This followed weeks of persistent wet conditions that had saturated the ground across England and raised river levels. It also increased the risk of rapid runoff of heavy rainfall.
As a result, there were 160 reports of internal flooding to properties within the city.
Leicester City Council, as the lead local flood authority, has a statutory duty under Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, to investigate flood events and report on the findings.
The report details how most of the properties were flooded directly from the River Soar due to water levels overtopping the riverbanks. Properties affected were mainly in the Abbey and Belgrave wards. Excess water from the River Soar also flowed into the Grand Union Canal leading to additional flooded properties in Belgrave and part of Aylestone.
Flooding from tributaries off the River Soar, including the Melton Brook and Evington Brook, also directly affected some properties.
The report finds that an estimated 2,000 local properties were prevented from flooding as result of major works undertaken in partnership between the city council, the Environment Agency and others. These include the award-winning Ellis Meadows and the flood relief culvert installed at Loughborough Road bridge.
The exceptionally heavy rainfall combined with high levels of water in the River Soar and its tributaries also contributed to highways drainage systems becoming quickly overwhelmed resulting in flooding on a number of roads.
Leicester City Council, the Environment Agency and Severn Trent Water, along with the Canal and River Trust, have identified key actions to help reduce the impact of future flooding and increase public preparedness in the event of a flood alert.
These include identifying potential options for future flood risk management schemes in Aylestone, Belgrave and the Melton Brook areas; surveying all sewers and drainage systems in the affected areas; administering Government grants to improve the flood resilience of affected properties; and, developing guidance on how property owners can ensure they have sufficient insurance to cover for flooding events. This work is ongoing.
Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment, said: “Flooding caused by Storm Henk had a devastating impact on the lives and properties of residents and businesses in Leicester and many other areas.
“While this report details the good work carried out by all partners to support those affected by flooding, it also highlights that more work needs to be done to further protect communities at risk of flooding.
“Successful scheme like Ellis Meadows and the flood culvert at Loughborough Road bridge show how vital these projects can be in helping to reduce the impact of flooding. We will be working closely with partners to identify options for future flood risk management schemes in those areas affected.
“Unfortunately, extreme weather events are becoming more commonplace and that only increases the risk of flooding. It is vital that residents, businesses, and property owners understand their own level of flood risk, are signed up for flood warnings from the Environment Agency and are sufficiently prepared to respond in the event of flooding.”
For advice and tips on how to sign up for flood alerts, how to report a flood and ways to manage flood risks – and to view the flood investigation report in full – visit www.leicester.gov.uk/flooding