Our neighbourhood in Whetstone, Leicester, has suffered greatly due to ineffective flood defenses. Lifelong residents have experienced unprecedented floods that have twice destroyed their homes in the past two years. This devastation can be traced back to new builds encroaching on the land that naturally absorbs water.

New developments are rapidly taking over land that previously provided a natural bulwark against floods. This has resulted in our area becoming increasingly susceptible to flood damage. While growth and development are inevitable, the haphazard approval of new builds, with little regard to the existing residents and the natural environment, is unacceptable. Our demand is straightforward and justified: Local councils should implement robust flood defences before approving new constructions.

The cost of these essential preventive measures should not be borne by the residents but rather by the builders and the councils that approve these new developments. Residents, already shouldering the burden of council taxes shouldn't have to bear the cost of these measures or the devastating aftermath of unmitigated flooding.

As citizens, we believe in disaster-preparedness and in the rights of residents to live without the continual threat of losing their homes. Councils and builders need to take responsibility and prioritize flood defences before moving ahead with construction plans. By doing so, they protect both the community and the environment.

If you also believe in safer and more responsible urban planning, please sign this petition. By lending your voice to our cause, you are ensuring that our councils and builders don't just progress, but they progress responsibly.