Flash-flooding after freak rainfall in 2007 and 2008 caught out a county more used to rivers bursting their banks over days of rising water levels. Many communities were flooded for the first time in living memory.

The council’s environment scrutiny committee requested a report to assess both the impact of the 2007 and 2008 floods and action taken.

The threat from both events came from tributaries, smaller streams and brooks and surface run-off, something the report identifies as the more likely experience with better protection on the main rivers.

Flooding over June and July 2007 is recognised in the report as the most notable weather event to affect Herefordshire in 10 years.

Flash-flooding caused widespread chaos, with the worst in the wake of torrential downpours on and around July 20 – which saw more than 100mm in some places. There was a much larger run-off from fields and urban surfaces as infiltration capacities were exceeded and drains failed to cope.

Two further floods occurred in September and November last year. Both were caused by extensive heavy rain, closing roads, flooding properties and damaging the highway network and drainage systems.

The report confirms the 2007 floods cost the council about £2 million. Most was met through the national Bellwin Scheme, which also covered most of the £1.2 million cost of the 2008 floods.

Other financial help included:

- £429,412 from the government restoration fund, for council expenses after the 2007 floods.

- £130,000 from the government’s flood recovery grant scheme to support householders most affected by the 2007 floods.

- £34,290 from the British Red Cross National Funds Appeal for households suffering hardship.

Hereford Citizens Advice and the Rural Support Network was also given money to leaflet affected households offering counselling, advice and support.

The report says the council is currently preparing a funding application for household flood protection measures, with the money coming from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

A comprehensive list of residential and commercial properties affected by both floods has been drawn up to identify sites most at risk and prioritise action plans.

The report concludes investigations may show no or limited action as the most appropriate response. However, where significant work is needed, there was scope for more details and listing on the council’s capital programme.

But in the current financial climate, the more significant the works, the more significant the challenge for the council, says the report.

The report says: “It is highly likely any solutions found will require co-operation, involvement and resources from a variety of bodies and individuals to be successful.”