Local MP Jesse Norman was able to assist residents in the village of Lea this week after torrential rain led to flooding and a temporary closure of the A40.

Yesterday, Thursday February 13th, working alongside Councillors Harry Bramer and Andy Atkinson, Jesse convened a meeting of local residents led by Geoff Woodyatt with the Environment Agency, following briefings by the MP to Welsh Water and officers at Herefordshire Council.

The meeting discussed immediate steps required to clear foul water from the area, as well as medium-term measures to improve drainage, and longer term plans.

Later in the day, responding rapidly to Jesse's urgent request, the Environment Agency sent a tanker which cleared 14,000 gallons of foul water. The tanker will be on site again today.

Meanwhile the Council has deployed its contractors Balfour Beatty to clear gullies and drains, in preparation for further anticipated rainstorms.

Jesse said: “Residents have had to struggle with rain and contaminated local water for weeks, and I am delighted that Welsh Water, Herefordshire Council and the Environment Agency have now stepped in vigorously to help them.

“This really shows the power of working together.

“The key is now to maintain momentum, get through the next few weeks, and then push on to a long-term solution to these protracted problems.”