Harlow Council's scrutiny committee has now drawn up its recommendations arising from its inquiry into the flooding that took place in June and July this year.

Cllr Su Lawton, a member of the committee, supported the proposals, which were welcomed by the meeting, and took the opportunity to question officers about progress since the floods.

Cllr Lorna Spenceley addressed the committee, welcoming the fact that the various organisations were now working together more effectively, reminding them of the need to address the flooding problems at Paringdon School, and suggesting that further public meetings be held over the coming year so that the community could play its part in monitoring progress.

The meeting heard that since the floods, gulleys had been inspected, and photographic evidence taken where these were not clear. Remedial work had already been carried out on Southern Way, and an inspection at the Latton Bush Centre had revealed work that needed to be carried out there. Essex County Council had started a new contract for gulley cleaning, which meant that the county council would be inspecting the drains rather than the contractor regulating itself.

Staff at Contact Harlow now had information about how to advise residents in the case of flooding, and now received bad weather warnings as a matter of routine. Flooding advice would be published on the council's web site, in the local press, and in the March issue of the council's magazine Harlow News. Sandbags were now available for purchase at the Civic Centre, and the council was investigating the use of gel bags as an alternative; these were much easier to distribute and could be stored more locally, making it quicker to get them to residents.

Thames Water reported that it had instructed consultants to visit customers complaining of multiple flooding and would advise on any necessary mitigation works. It had also rearranged its cleaning schedule.

A 29-point action plan was proposed by the committee. Key actions proposed include publishing flooding advice and information to residents; and the agencies will be meeting regularly to consider more opportunities to work together and to resolve any drainage problems. Essex County Council's gulley cleaning and maintenance programme will also be published for residents to see - a suggestion Lorna made at the last meeting.

The next meeting of the Scrutiny Committee, on Thursday 24 January, will receive a brief update on progress; with a fuller report coming to its meeting on Thursday 1 March. Both of these meetings are open to the public.