A new range of flood defences will be available in Ashford after figures showed more than 3,000 properties in the borough are in the floodplain.

Last year storms and severe downpours brought misery to residents in the area and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Floodsave has been launched by Keyline on Kingsnorth Industrial Estate as one of only a handful of stores to roll out the new range.

The repair and renew grant scheme may be available for residents who experienced flooding between last December and March and could cover the cost of the new products.

The range, distributed by Source One Environmental, is designed to prevent water from entering a property.

Stephen Riggens, head of marketing at Keyline, said: “Flood defence products keep homeowners and their belongings safe and dry.

"They also give real peace of mind to those at risk from flooding from the moment they’re installed.

“Homeowners are able to check the level of risk for their property by looking at the Environment Agency’s detailed flood risk maps on their website.

“That way, people can decide for themselves whether to install flood defence products.

“We would recommend installing a few different products in combination to ensure the whole house is protected.

“But even a whole house product package would only usually cost between £1,500 and £2,500.

“This doesn’t just save the cost of repair, but all the upset, inconvenience and discomfort that goes with being flooded.”

Earlier this year Cllr Gerry Clarkson revealed that 2,500 sandbags had been delivered to homes that were deemed to be at risk of flooding.

To check flood risk visit https://www.gov.uk/prepare-for-a-flood of for more information about flood support services visit www.ashford.gov.uk/flood-support

Floodsave products

• Flood barriers – a barrier that is placed in front of doors or windows to prevent water entering around the door or window frame or through the letterbox or cat flap
• Intelligent air bricks – have ventilation holes that automatically shut off when water is rising
• Non-return valves – installed within the nearest manhole or onto sewer pipes to stop sewage flowing back into the property
• StoneGuard – a coating which is applied to the external walls of the property, preventing water from entering through porous bricks or stonework and through mortar

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