Views sought on flooding experience

Homeowners, residents and businesses caught up in the flooding, along with those whose property is susceptible to high water levels, are being invited to submit their views at a website set up under the Lessons Learned review.

Comments, ideas and suggestions are also being sought from all sections of the community at www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/floodingreview.

The review aims to understand why the floods in June and July were so extensive and look at how to reduce the impact and risk of flooding in the future.

The study will also examine how to co-ordinate responses to a similar situation in the future and how to look after and inform the public, and will make recommendations to improve the UK's preparedness for flooding.

Sir Michael Pitt, the independent chairman of the review, will visit communities affected by the floods, which hit parts of north east England, the Midlands and the west in the summer.

Sir Michael said: "I intend to spend time visiting affected communities, talking to residents, local businesses and members of front line services to get their first-hand experiences."

An interim report of the Lessons Learned review is expected by the end of this year, with the final report due in around a year's time.