Flooding in Leicester expected to subside but the county could continue to suffer the consequences, council said
Leicester and Leicestershire have been hit hard by heavy rain in recent days[1]. Some 60 properties in the city were flooded[2], Leicester City Council[3] has said, and a number of roads became impassable. A rest centre was set up by the authority at Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre and another put on standby.
But the council has now said the worst is past for city residents. For those in the county, however, this could just be the beginning. The river levels in the city were the highest in recent days[4] than they have been for many years, the council’s director of highways Martin Fletcher said.
Due simply to the sheer volume of rain[6], the storm drains in roads close to the river could not keep up with the water running into them from the River Soar and its tributaries and the already sodden ground from recent rains meant less water was being soaked up. This led to flooding in the streets. However, the council said river levels in the city are now thought to have peaked, meaning the situation in Leicester should start to improve.
The water, however, is expected to follow the river northwards out of the city. As this happens, “it is expected the situation will worsen in the county”, Mr Fletcher said.
Full flood response from Leicester City Council
Martin Fletcher, Leicester City Council’s director of highways said: “The flooding we are seeing across the city and county is predominantly from rivers, with the river levels we have experienced being the highest in the city for many years. Most of the sewers outfall to the River Soar and its tributaries, but due to the sheer volume of rain and the levels being so high, the storm drains in roads close to the river aren’t able to empty effectively as they have following previous heavy rainfall.
“This volume of rain, combined with the saturated ground conditions is affecting the whole region as well as the city and county. Agencies across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are working together to support those affected. “Due to the high flows and flooding of roads, we do have streets that have been affected by flood water from the River Soar and some properties have had to be evacuated, particularly in the Thurcaston Road area of the city.
“So far, we have 60 properties that are known to have suffered internal flooding. Council teams and the fire service have been supporting affected residents and the council’s incident response plans have been activated. “The council has opened a rest centre at Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre, and has another centre on standby.
“Roads currently affected by floodwater in Leicester include the A6 Abbey Lane, Thurcaston Road, Beaumanor Rd, Day St, Holden St and Ross Walk. Marsden Lane and Fosse Road North was also affected overnight. Flood water present on Abbots Road and Wintersdale Road yesterday has subsided.
Residents in Day Street in Belgrave, Leicester, were stuck after flood waters quickly rose overnight (03.01.2024) (Image: Monique Badwal)
“Flooding is very distressing for those concerned.
The work the council has done with partners in Leicester in Ellis Meadows and Loughborough Road over the last 7-8 years has significantly reduced the impact of this flooding event to properties along the river corridor. “Looking forward, the level of the River Soar in the city has now peaked, so the situation in Leicester should improve, although as the water moves northwards out of the city, it is expected the situation will worsen in the county. “The council always reviews flooding incidents to see if it can identify opportunities to prevent floods happening again in locations affected.
“More information about how to prevent, prepare for and deal with flooding, including what actions to take following a flood is is on all local councils’ websites.”
Poll: Do you feel safe in Leicester city centre?[7]
References
- ^ hit hard by heavy rain in recent days (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ 60 properties in the city were flooded (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Leicester City Council (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ river levels in the city were the highest in recent days (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Live: Leicestershire flooding updates as closures and warnings remain in place (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ sheer volume of rain (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Poll: Do you feel safe in Leicester city centre? (xd.wayin.com)