A PUBLIC meeting on the floods in York will be held next week.

As part of its Emergency Planning, the city council is inviting people hit by the recent floods to a meeting at the Barbican on Friday 15 January from 6-8pm.

Up for discussion will be the city’s response to the floods, the recovery and clean-up operation, with a particular focus on the practical support offered across the city.

People will be able to talk directly to representatives from organisations at the heart of the flooding work, including the Environment Agency, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, British Telecom, North Yorkshire Police and City of York Council itself.

Council leader Cllr Chris Steward said they wanted "comprehensive consultation" and urged people to take part.

"These events will give people an opportunity to share their experiences and learning and put them to good use," he said.

Deputy leader Cllr Keith Aspden added: "These public meetings will be an opportunity for local residents and businesses to have their say on how York has coped with the recent flooding. We need to look at what has worked well and where lessons need to be learnt.

"The meetings will enable residents to speak directly to the key organisations involved and I would encourage all those who've been affected by the floods to attend."

People will also be able to give feedback at ward meetings and in flood-affected areas, again to be attended by partner organisations. 

Times and dates will be released soon, and there will be other ways of giving feedback for people who cannot get to the meetings.