The task of managing floods has been transferred to local councils, and Richmond wants help to develop a plan.

London boroughs are now the lead flood authorities and must develop a strategy on how they deal with floods by 2015.

Richmond Council has asked people to help shape its plan by giving feedback on areas that have flooded in the past.

The council’s cabinet member for environment, Councillor Pamela Fleming, urged people to give their views to help protect the borough from flood risks.

She said: “The council is protecting its residents, businesses, properties, and infrastructure from flooding through these legal powers and we would like as many people as possible to give their views and help shape our local flood risk strategy.

“You can tell us whether you have experienced or seen flooding during the recent heavy rainfalls, how it affected you, and how you prepared yourself before and during the flooding.”

To complete the anonymous online questionnaire, visit bit.ly/richmond-flooding.

Survey forms will be available in the borough’s libraries and in the Civic Centre, which can be returned by post to Planning Policy, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham TW1 3BZ.

The closing date for responses is February 28.