Managing Flood Risk Locally - Have Your Say

As the 'Lead Local Flood Authority', Bedford Borough Council has updated the 'Local Flood Risk Management Strategy' for 2022-2027 and wants to hear your views.

This revised strategy builds on what has been learnt since 2015, and includes lessons from the December 2020 flooding in Bedford Borough where 65 properties were flooded internally across 27 different locations.

It also looks at changes in legislation and policy and at the challenges faced for flood risk, including climate change, and ways of working in partnership to build resilience, think smarter, to be more innovative and manage and reduce flood risk.

The aim of the draft strategy is "to ensure the Council and its partners work to achieve a Borough that is prepared and resilient to flooding for those who live, work and visit our vibrant communities."

Liberal Democrat Leader Councillor Christine McHugh said "Bedford Borough was hit hard by heavy floods in 2020. The community responded brilliantly and we learnt so much from that event. It is crucial that we have a Strategy that incorporates these lessons, so that the Borough can be more prepared and resilient to the flooding risk. Please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/FloodRiskConsultation to have your say on this important Strategy."

You can find out more, read the strategy and have your say via www.bedford.gov.uk/FloodRiskConsultation

You can also email your response to floodrisk@bedford.gov.uk or write to Flood Risk Team, Bedford Borough Council, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AP

The deadline for responses is 4 April 2022 and comments received may be published.