Newly-elected Netteswell councillor Linda Pailing has asked Harlow Council to carry out a review of how the council and other agencies prepared for and responded to the recent flooding.

Cllr Pailing, a member of the council's Preview & Best Value scrutiny committee, says:

"Council staff and the emergency services worked long and hard to help residents and businesses affected by the recent floods. It seems to me that a review of these events would be useful while they are still fresh in everyone's minds, to ensure that the best use is made of the resources we have at our disposal and that our communications with all other relevant agencies are as effective and efficient as they could be."

Liberal Democrat councillor Chris Robins adds:

"Estates in my own ward of Staple Tye were among those affected by the floods. We all hope these events are not repeated, but I and my Staple Tye councillor colleagues believe a review would be helpful so that if they are, we are as well prepared as possible. We're very pleased that Cllr Pailing has taken up this suggestion, and hope that the Preview & Best Value Committee will agree to include it as an urgent item on its workplan."