Advice event for Barnsley flooding victims

People in Barnsley have been advised on how to protect their homes from floods, three years after heavy rainfall caused major damage in the town.

On 15 June 2007 flooding caused scores of homes to be evacuated, roads and schools to be closed and rail services to be cancelled in South Yorkshire.

Residents attended a "flood fair" at the Metrodome leisure centre.

They got advice on how to protect their homes and heard about work on flood defences.

The event was timed to coincide with the third anniversary of the June 2007 floods, which caused millions of pounds worth of damage across the county.

An exhibition showcased flood alleviation works carried out by the council, the Environment Agency and the Dove and Dearne Internal Drainage Board.

Councillor Bill Newman, the council's cabinet member for development, said: "Following the floods we spent a great deal of time, effort and resources in fixing the damage caused by the flooding, and along with our partners we are committed to minimising the effects that any future flooding may have on the borough.

"We have encouraged people to come along to this event to find out what the council has done since the floods and also to find out what they can do for themselves to limit the effects of future flood risks."