WINCHESTER mayor Ernie Jeffs has been visiting flood-hit villages across the district.

Cllr Jeffs, the Mayoress Barbara Jeffs and deputy leader Robert Humby, donned wellies to visit Easton, Headbourne Worthy, Sutton Scotney, Hursley and Bramdean.

They viewed the impact of the recent heavy rainfall and actions taken to reduce the risk of flooding.

In Easton, where the Environment Agency created a barrier in the river to flood nearby land, the party met residents and a pub owner who said that they had had to take a leap of faith in the local agencies when the barrier was first proposed.

In Sutton Scotney, where the military played a key role in building sandbag defences, a whole welcome party turned out to greet the visitors.

They toured several businesses affected to consider the type of assistance needed to support business and community recovery.

Cllr Jeffs said: “The mayoress and I were really impressed with the community spirit.  So many people have helped others during this difficult period, and residents have carried on with their daily lives regardless of what has been thrown at them.

“It was also good to see the parish councils playing a vital role in supporting flood-afflicted areas.  They have been strong partners in the flood relief effort, working at all hours of the day and night.  We are looking forward to visiting some more parishes next week.”