COMMUNITIES impacted by the recent flash floods are being supported with a series of drop-in sessions over the coming weeks.

Initial investigations have found that more than 200 homes were flooded during the torrential rainfall on Sunday, September 17.

As part of the ongoing flood recovery effort, Devon County Council (DCC) are working with the Environment Agency, Exeter City Council, South Hams District Council, Teignbridge District Council and the Environment Agency to organise community engagement events.

The drop-in sessions will be held at: Victory Hall, Kenton – Tuesday, October 3, 3:15pm-7:15pm and Matthews Hall, Topsham – Wednesday, October 4, 2pm-7pm.

A third session is also being arranged to be held at Harberton Parish Hall – date to be confirmed.

The drop-in sessions will be an opportunity for residents to speak directly to teams involved in the flood recovery operation.

They will be able to provide information on the flooding in their community and to discuss flood resilience measures with staff from all of the authorities and agencies in attendance.

The following agencies will be in attendance at the drop-in session and can help with –

► Devon County Council:

– Flood Team: Production of Flood Investigation Report, Property Flood Resilience, Ordinary Watercourse regulation, consideration of future flood improvements.

– Highways: maintenance and clearance of drainage systems and road surfaces.

► East Devon District Council / Exeter City Council / South Hams District Council /Teignbridge District Council:

– Housing issues.

– Waste collection and street cleaning.

– Advice on financial support that may be available.

► The Environment Agency:

– Flooding linked to ‘Main Rivers’ or the sea.

– The flood warning service for flooding from Main Rivers and the sea.

– Flood risk assets on Main Rivers.

– Land use management, remedial works and longer-term management.

– Repair works and flood risk activity permitting requirements on Main Rivers.

Councillor Gary Taylor, Teignbridge District Councillor for Kenton and Starcross, said: 'The extent of last week’s flooding was devastating for many communities across the County – including in Dawlish and Kenton, where the impact on homes, services and businesses will be felt for some time to come.

'Whilst local councillors and council teams, service partners and the local communities all took swift action to support those affected, the unpredictability, scale and intensity of the storm resulted in significant damage to some homes and properties, and also to the primary school in Kenton.

'These kind of weather events are likely to be more regular, unpredictable and extreme, so these drop-in sessions are designed to help local communities affected by the flooding recover, and talk about what can be done to protect homes and businesses in the future.'