Chew Valley residents affected by recent flooding are invited to a drop-in surgery to discuss the problems with experts.
The session will take place in St Andrew's Church Hall in Chew Stoke from 11.30am till 7pm today (December 20) with people given the chance to ask questions to officers from the Environment Agency, Bristol Water and Bath and North East Somerset Council.
With heavy rain overnight the River Chew is already very high and Pilgrims Way has now been closed by police because of fast moving water around a metre deep crossing the road. But with more forecast over the coming days people living close to the river fear they may see a repeat of recent floods, including those in late November when a man lost life lift after his car became trapped in flood water near the ford at Pilgrims Way.
Cllr Alison Cunningham, chair of Chew Stoke Parish Council, said the meeting had been called to help the authorities build up a better picture of specific problem spots as the threat of more prolonged heavy rainfall looms.
She said: "People can pop in ask questions but what is really needed is local knowledge about the area affected. Anyone who has any suggestions should take a moment to try and drop into the flood surgery."
A spokesman for Avon Fire and Rescue said crews had not as yet attended any incidents of flooding but confirmed they were on standby and monitoring the weather. and that standing water was becoming a problem. The emergency service have pointed out problems with standing water across the area and encouraged drivers to take extra care when driving in extreme weather conditions.
