PEOPLE hit by the recent floods which badly damaged parts of Keighley district have been flocking to a free flooding advice road show set up outside Victoria Hall today.

The Flood Advisory Service (FAS) facility is accommodated in a mobile, 40-foot trailer, which will remain parked outside the hall until 6.30pm.

People can drop in and speak to experts about how to defend their homes against future floods.

The road show is showcasing a variety of accredited and tested flood protection products, including water resistant doors, door barriers, water proof airbricks, backflow valves and sump pumps.

Bradford Council officers are also on hand to field questions.

FAS managing director Sarah Marriott said the road show has so far been extremely busy.

"It's been fantastic to see such a great turnout," she said. "The council has done a great job of spreading the word.

"A lot of the people we're seeing here live in terraced houses, so we're telling them that if they want to protect their properties they need to make sure their neighbours are taking action as well.

"We only carry samples of flood mitigation products which have the BSI Kitemark PAS 1188 – it shows that this product has been thoroughly tested.

"Anyone installing these has to be a flood professional who is certified to BSI standards."

FAS operations co-ordinator Kelly Merriman said: "It's been non-stop. We've had a very good response from members of the public.

"It's very valuable for people to come here and see or physically touch these flood protection products for themselves, which they can't do if they're looking at them online.

"From a flood survey perspective we only offer trained surveyors and installers.

"When it comes to flooding there's no second chance. You have to get it right first time or the effects can be catastrophic.

"There are many cost effective steps people can take to make sure their property is flood resilient. A person's home is their biggest asset, so why not protect it?"

Among the council officers who have been present at today's event was Bradford Council emergency planning manager, Mike Powell.

He said: "I think this road show is excellent, and it's good to see so many people here.

"Anything that can be done to make people's businesses and properties resilient has got to be a real benefit.

"I'm here to make sure people have flood plans. For example, where do they keep their household insurance papers? If they are downstairs, they should put them upstairs. There is always some way of looking after your valuables."

He urged people to be aware of the Flood Re scheme, which is coming into force in April and is designed to make flood protection insurance more affordable.