The Environment Agency has released its review into last year's summer flooding in and around Cirencester.

The July downpour saw almost four inches of rainfall in less than 15 hours, causing widespread flooding around Cirencester.

And the latest review showed that the flooding in communities along the River Churn, Ampney Brook and Poulton Brook was caused by torrential downpours causing rapid surface water run-off, combined with an unusually wet May and June.

Cirencester recorded 114mm of rainfall in May and 98mm in June, more than twice the normal amount.

Risk management engineer David Ludford said: "While this combination of factors was obviously exceptional, it highlighted a number of issues across the area, particularly from ditches, drains, sewers, streams and rivers, and from surface water run-off."

Mr Ludford said residents should: "Check if they are at risk of flooding from rivers, register for their free flood-warning service and consider defensive measures for homes".

Residents can also ensure that they have a flood plan in place, ideally one prepared for the whole of the affected community, which looks at ways of dealing with flooding should the worst happen."

The Environment Agency review recommended a number of actions should be taken with local partners, including councils and local water companies, such as addressing issues of flooding from surface water run-off, drainage and sewerage systems, as well as from rivers.

Subject to internal approval, the Environment Agency has recommended measures to manage the risk of flooding in communities in its River Churn Flood Risk Management Strategy.

For more information on flooding, a Flood Fair at the Bingham Hall, Cirencester, will take place on Friday, March 28 2008 between 2.30pm and 7pm, organised by the Environment Agency, National Flood Forum and Cotswold District Council partnership.