Progress is being made in a campaign group's continued plight for urgent action to reduce flooding.

Last week, heavy rainfall led to road closures and people being forced to evacuate their homes in the village of Yalding.

Medway Beult and Teise Flood Help group wants Yalding's three electrical substations protected by raising them on platforms; better use to be made of the Leigh flood storage area (FSA); and debris to be cleared from beneath arches on the River Medway.

The substations power pumps which many residents use to keep water out of their homes during periods of heavy rainfall. If the substations become submerged in water - which they almost did over Christmas - the pumps will stop working, and residents could see water rushing into their homes. This did actually become a reality during the 2013 Christmas floods.

The group adds the Leigh FSA is currently only being used to protect Tonbridge, despite Yalding being just as badly hit by flooding.

A spokesman said: "The pumps keep water out of most of the homes in Yalding and they work as long as you have electricity. This means the substations need to be kept away from water. It's very simple - they just need to be raised up on a few bricks and they'll be kept safe from the flooding.

"In terms of the Leigh flood storage, it used to be for Tonbridge and the surrounding areas but this was changed in 2013. When it is used, like it was in February because Tonbridge was also affected, it makes a huge difference and Yalding is kept dry."

Parish council chairman Geraldine Brown says UK Power Networks (UKPN) has confirmed the work to protect substations is moving forward.

She said: "Since 2014, we have been chasing UKPN to undertake the work but without success.

"We spoke with the Environment Agency (EA) at some length on the subject and they held a meeting with the UKPN emergency planning officer to explain the need for the work to be carried out.

"They have now confirmed in writing that the work will be progressed."

Cllr Geraldine added: "We need to be working with the EA for all our benefit and supporting its efforts, which Yalding Parish Council will continue to do; they are the experts, not us."

The campaign group met with Helen Grant, MP for Maidstone and the Weald, last week to discuss action needed.

After the meeting she said : "The resilience and determination of the Yalding community continues to inspire me.

"I will be writing to my colleague Rebecca Pow MP, the floods minister, to request a meeting to discuss flood defences in Yalding and in particular the use of the Leigh Flood Storage Area to protect communities downstream from Tonbridge, including Yalding.

"I will also be continuing to press UK Power Networks to improve flood resilience at the key electricity substation sites in the village.

"Furthermore, I plan to make contact with Kent County Council to consider what action can be taken to reduce flooding on our rural roads.

"I will continue to work closely with residents of Yalding and the surrounding areas in the weeks and months ahead to ensure they get the additional flood protections they need."

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