RESIDENTS in Kenton have been thanked for turning out to a community engagement session to share their knowledge about last month’s flash floods.

More than 100 people attended last week’s drop-in events at Kenton, and also held in Topsham, which were among the hardest hit communities during the flooding on Sunday September 17.

The drop-in sessions provided an opportunity for residents to speak directly to the teams involved in the flood recovery operation and provide them with information on the flooding in their community. 

It was also a chance for staff from all of the authorities and agencies to discuss flood resilience measures with the communities.

Information gathered from members of the public at the events will help inform the Flood Investigation Report which Devon County Council will produce over the coming months. 

This report will aim to highlight the source and extent of flooding and what work would be needed to help make communities more resilient against flooding and reduce the risk of flooding in future.

Cllr Roger Croad, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Communities, said: ‘Our thanks go to everyone who has come along to these drop-in sessions as the events have been well received and well attended. 

‘We’re pleased that people have been able to share information of the flood events to give us a better understanding of how it has impacted their community, and it has been a good opportunity for staff from all of the agencies who attended to speak directly to those affected. 

‘We hope that the upcoming event at Harberton will be equally positive.’

Teignbridge Executive Member for Planning Cllr Gary Taylor said: “I would like to thank everyone who attended one of the drop-in events, which helped provide valuable information and ideas on how we can better assist communities in times of flooding. This shared local knowledge will undoubtedly help identify how we can increase resilience in the future, when extreme, unexpected weather events occur in our area.’

More than 200 homes were flooded in communities including Ashill, Bradninch, Budleigh Salterton, Clyst St Mary, Cullompton, Dartmouth, Exeter, Harbertonford, Kentisbeare and Uffculme during September’s torrential downpour.