RESPONDING to the current unprecedented flooding has been a team effort.

I want to place on record my thanks to the emergency services, military, Environment Agency, Hampshire County Council and our other multi-agency partners.

Their hard work and ceaseless efforts to put in place steps to minimise the effects of flooding in Andover and surrounding villages has been invaluable.

It is greatly appreciated.

I am also grateful to Test Valley Borough Council staff for working around the clock since Friday, 7 February dealing with flooding issues across the borough.

Letters have been hand delivered to 1,000 households in flood warning zones and some 40,000 sandbags distributed to residents and businesses at threat of flooding.

I know that many local communities and councillors have also played their part by pulling together to protect properties and deal with flood water in our villages.

I would urge the public to take extra care as the situation continues.

Groundwater is expected to continue to rise and as the River Test and its tributaries are groundwater fed this creates its own set of problems.

I have great sympathy for those whose homes have been flooded and we will continue to do all we can to manage the situation and help those affected.

We have also placed flooding advice and guidance on our website: testvalley.gov.uk.

Councillor Ian Carr, leader of the council.