Flooding doesn’t just damage homes, it destroys lives. It uproots families and leaves communities feeling powerless. Tackling flooding in our area has been one of my local priorities since I was elected, . And I’m proud of the progress we’re making together.
This Friday I hosted my bi-annual flooding roundtable. This is where I bring together the Environment Agency, Leicestershire County Council, Severn Trent, the Canal and River Trust, Charnwood Borough Council, and one of our brilliant local flood wardens to one table.
Why this matters:
When I first spoke to constituents, flood wardens and local groups after my election, I kept hearing the same thing. The agencies were doing good work, but it wasn’t joined up. Nobody was quite seeing the full picture. Information sat in silos. Actions weren’t coordinated. And our community paid the price.
So, I set this up. Twice a year, I get everyone around the same table, and we work through it together, reviewing what’s been done, planning what comes next, and identifying where I can push harder in Westminster.
What we’ve achieved together:
An agreed procedure between the Environment Agency and the Canal and River Trust to lower the canal through Loughborough during flood alerts, a direct result of bringing both organisations together.
Charnwood Borough Council’s Flood Locker scheme, ensuring equipment is ready and waiting on the ground when it’s needed most, alongside expanded support for our dedicated flood wardens.
Repairs in Quorn, addressing issues raised by residents.
Looking ahead:
I’ll be sharing a full update on the outcomes of this meeting when I can. In the meantime, my thanks to every agency representative who joined us, and to our flood wardens for the vital, unglamorous work they do every day.
This Friday’s meeting covered what’s been done, what’s coming next, and I’ll be following up on constituent casework from those directly affected by flooding. Climate change means the rains are getting heavier, and I can’t stop this. But what we can control is how prepared we are, how connected our agencies are, how educated and flood-aware we are, and how hard we fight for our community in government.
Have you been affected by flooding?
Please get in touch, I want to hear from you and raise your concerns directly. You can email jeevun.sandher.mp@parliament.uk or call 01509 351 051.