Bedford Borough Council is inviting individuals, businesses and community groups to its annual Flood Forum on Thursday, 26 March 2026, from 2.30pm to 6.30pm at Great Denham Community Centre, 86 Saxon Way, Bedford, MK40 4GP.
The free, drop-in event is open to everyone and aims to help people understand local flood risks, what is being done to manage them and the practical steps they can take to protect their homes and neighbourhoods.
Visitors will be able to speak directly with the Council’s Resilience Team and other flood management specialists about flood resilience measures, insurance, emergency planning and what to do before, during and after a flood.
Partners attending this year include the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Internal Drainage Board, Flood Re (a joint initiative between the Government and insurers) and Bedford Borough Council teams such as Highways.
There will also be information on the Council’s drain maintenance programme, which plays a key role in managing surface water and reducing flood risk across the borough.
As the Lead Local Flood Authority, Bedford Borough Council has legal powers and duties to coordinate the management of local flood risk.
It works closely with organisations including the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, the Bedford Group of Internal Drainage Boards, DEFRA and the Anglian (Great Ouse) Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.
The Flood Forum will also highlight the responsibilities of homeowners, landlords, businesses and riparian owners. Property owners are responsible for protecting their own buildings and, where applicable, for maintaining watercourses, ditches or drains on or next to their land.
Guidance on these responsibilities, including maps and details of how different organisations share flood risk management, is available at bedford.gov.uk/flood-risk-management.
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton (Conservative), said: “Flooding can have a devastating impact on homes and communities, and we know how important it is for residents to have the right information and support.
The Flood Forum brings together experts and local partners in one place, giving people the chance to ask questions, share their experiences and learn more about how they can prepare.
“As a Council, we are committed to managing flood risk and maintaining local infrastructure, but it is also vital that residents understand their own responsibilities in protecting their homes. Working together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities.”
The Flood Forum 2026 is free to attend and open to all Bedford Borough residents and businesses. No booking is required.
