SUE SKINNER Roadshows are being held in three of West Norfolk's coastal commun-ities next month to help house-holders prepare for an increased risk of flooding in the autumn.

SUE SKINNER

Roadshows are being held in three of West Norfolk's coastal commun-ities next month to help house-holders prepare for an increased risk of flooding in the autumn.

Exceptionally high tides are forecast for September and October, which could lead to a higher risk of flooding for Snettisham, Heacham and Hunstanton.

The Environment Agency is joining forces with West Norfolk Council to stage the roadshows, which will enable people to find out about the emergency flooding procedures in place for their area and to register for flood warnings direct from the agency, if they have not already done so.

Staff from both the agency and the council will be on hand to answer queries.

Last year, a new precautionary evacuation notice (PEN) system was launched to give residents and visitors to the Snettisham, Heacham and Hunstanton area better warning of a potential flood.

The roadshows will give more information about how the procedure works and what action should be taken if a PEN is issued.

Peta Denham, from the agency, said: "It's really important that people prepare for flooding before a flood actually happens.

"Although flooding is dreadful, being prepared for it makes it easier to recover afterwards and means you don't lose irreplaceable items like family photos.

"The PEN procedure introduced last year gives even better warning to residents and visitors alike that flooding may occur in the PEN area.

"The roadshows are an ideal opportunity for people to find out more about the PEN and help keep themselves and their loved ones safe."

The roadshows, which all run from 10am to 4pm, are being held at Heacham North Beach car park on Wednesday, August 2, Hunstanton Town Hall on Saturday, August 5, and Harvey's car park at Beach Road, Snettisham, on Tuesday, August 8.

Anyone not able to attend can get details on how to prepare for flooding and register for warnings by visiting www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodline.