HOUSEHOLDERS in and around Peebles who have been affected by recent floods are invited to a drop-in session next week.

As well as advice on insuring properties, experts will be on hand to demonstrate protection aids.

More and more home owners are finding it difficult to obtain affordable insurance for properties close to water courses.

But help is at hand from the local authority along with partner organisations.

On Monday (January 16) representatives from Flood Re – which was successfully launched last April to help those households who live in a flood risk area find affordable home insurance – will be at the Burgh Hall to offer information and help.

Flood Re works in the background and allows insurers to make affordable home insurance available even for those households that have suffered flooding in the past.

Scottish Borders Council officers will also be present to discuss its subsidised flood products scheme and general flood management issues.

SEPA representatives will also provide details of their Flood Warning service.

A second session will be at Hawick Rugby Club the following day.

Both sessions will run from 4pm to 6pm.

Councillor Gordon Edgar said: “Both towns have been affected by flooding in recent years, and this is a great opportunity for houseowners to find out more about how they can find affordable home insurance.”