TOP decision-makers have held a flood summit meeting.

Heavy rain last month damaged 350 properties in Cleckheaton, Ravensthorpe and New Mill.

Clr Martyn Bolt, Kirklees Council’s Cabinet member for the environment, hosted the meeting at the Textile Centre at Red Doles Lane, Bradley Mills, to discuss planning for any future flooding.

He was joined by representatives of Yorkshire Water, the electricity and gas companies and the fire service.

Clr Bolt said: “The meeting was extremely useful, open and frank.

“We committed ourselves to joint action, where possible.”

He added: “We plan to see which areas are most likely to be at risk, based on the experiences of the recent flooding and weather.”

Clr Bolt said house builders would have a part to play in protecting the district.

He said: “We are looking at instigating flood alleviation measures funded by contributions from developers.

“We will also be raising with the appropriate agencies the issue of dredging watercourses. Residents have said it used to be routine, but has now virtually ceased.”

And he said that help was available to people whose houses had been flooded.

Clr Bolt said: “We have received £130,000 from the Government to help residents whose homes and belongings were worst affected.

“There will be a banding system, ranging from £100 to £500 depending on the severity of individual cases.

“We will be delivering a simple application form to householders for them to complete and return for us to assess.”