Leicestershire County Council is urging residents to prepare for bad weather this winter as it steps up efforts to support communities against flooding.
Following several recent flood events and last winter's record rainfall, the council has worked alongside local communities throughout 2026 to strengthen flood resilience and preparation.
Last year, £2m of money earmarked for carbon reserves was put towards flooding, which is being put to use across Leicestershire.
Communities are already taking action to become more resilient, through a £400,000 community grant scheme of equipment being given to local areas.
Innovative sandbag alternatives – which can be stored easier and inflate and stack like sandbags – have been purchased with the money, alongside temporary flood barriers which are put out to prevent flood water reaching local areas. This equipment has been given out to parish councils to distribute to their communities.
At-risk areas, including Bottesford, East Goscote and Newtown Linford have already received products from the grants scheme.
A portion of the cash was also put towards bolstering the county’s annual drain-cleaning programme, by cleaning lower-priority drains more frequently and maintaining culverts across the county.
Drop-in events have also been held across Leicestershire in areas that have experienced flooding, with more events set to be scheduled.
Councillor Adam Tilbury, cabinet member for flooding, said:
“We have spent the year working hard to give communities the equipment that can help to reduce flood risk.
“It's not a case of if but when flooding will happen in some areas of the county. Being prepared and thinking about it earlier can really help you recover and get back to normal more quickly.
“There’s always more to do and we’re committed to helping, but we encourage everyone to check the flood risk in their area and take whatever steps are needed to be prepared. Flooding can happen at any time.”
To find out more about flood risk and how to prepare, visit leicestershire.gov.uk/flooding.
You can also sign up for flood alerts in your area at check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk.
