Storm Henk brought widespread flooding to Rutland in early January, leaving residents reeling - and some questioning the county council's preparedness.

In response to the rising tide of public concern, a Special Meeting was held at the Rutland County Council HQ on January 18, called for by Conservative group councillor and former council leader Lucy Stephenson. The meeting provided a platform for residents to voice their anxieties and demand accountability from the council.

A history of floods and unanswered questions:

Cllr Stephenson highlighted the devastating impact of Storm Henk, which caused significant damage to homes and disrupted travel across the county for days. She emphasised that this wasn't an isolated incident, as Storm Babet in October 2023 had also caused widespread flooding.

Residents expressed frustration with the lack of clarity regarding the council's response to these events. Stephenson raised several crucial questions:

What actions were taken after Storm Babet, and were lessons learned effectively applied to Storm Henk?

What was the timeline of actions taken on 2 January, including communication efforts?

What mechanisms are in place to ensure effective flood prevention strategies and their implementation?

What are the roles and responsibilities of various agencies involved in flood management, including the council, Environment Agency, emergency services, and local residents?

Residents demand action and Scrutiny:

The meeting resonated with residents, many of whom believe blocked drains and poor maintenance of waterways contributed significantly to the flooding. They called for a thorough investigation into the council's handling of the situation and demanded concrete steps towards improved flood prevention measures.

Council agrees to Scrutiny and investigation:

In response to the public outcry and Stephenson's proposal, the council agreed to request the Strategic Overview and Scrutiny Committee to investigate the matters raised. This investigation will complement, not duplicate, the ongoing Section 19 investigation into the council's actions.

A path forward - transparency, accountability and action:

The special council meeting served as a crucial step towards addressing the concerns of Rutland residents. The upcoming investigations and scrutiny process offer a chance for transparency and accountability.

Ultimately, residents hope that these efforts will lead to tangible actions to prevent future flooding and ensure the safety and well-being of the community.