Volunteers gathered at Syston Brook for a day of action aimed at reducing flood risk. Participants worked to remove silt from the concrete-bottomed channel, which had accumulated to a depth described as "absolutely solid."

The removed silt was then transported by the Environment Agency.

One volunteer, Hick, described the effort as "a lot of hard work but we had fun, it was great." He noted the fortunate absence of floods in January, a contrast to previous years. The timing of the clearing operation was influenced by a need to address upstream blockages in prior years. "It's trying to get to the bottom of it so that next year, crossed fingers, it won't be so bad," Hick added.

The efforts come as a hot summer has dried out the brook, with the work intended to prepare the waterway for the upcoming rainy season.

Previous flood events have impacted local areas, with images showing floodwaters reaching ankle depth on roads and submerging parts of businesses, as well as inundating residential living rooms. A man and a woman, both in winter coats, survey the flood waters in Station Road, Quorn, which is around ankle depth. Ripples can be seen in the water and the Monk restaurant partly submerged in the background. A living room, with a red sofa and a walking frame, with flood water covering the floor.

The Syston Community Flood Group, comprised of volunteers like those participating in the brook clearing, aims to mitigate such risks through community action. Syston Community Flood Group volunteers pose for a picture in orange high viz

Volunteers also worked to clear accumulated waste from the waterway, moving bags of debris up the bank. Volunteers moving bags of gathered waste up a ladder placed on the bank