As you are no doubt aware, this April has been one if not the wettest on record with watercourses being full resulting in drainage issues as the rain has nowhere to go. Also, prior to this wet April weather we had the driest March for 50 years and two extremely dry winters causing the ground to be exceedingly hard and unable to absorb water as well as it normally would and instead just runs off the surface causing flooding, which is not something that we are able to control.
Therefore if any parishioners wish to report any flooding incidents that have led to flood water getting inside houses you can do so by contacting the Flood Risk Team via email: flood.prevention@essex.gov.uk who will then record all incidents and arrange for the Flood Investigation Officer to visit the sites to assess the situation. Any questions can be raised with the Flood Risk Team on 01245 430 469.
However, it is important to clarify that any incident requiring an emergency response where there is a threat to life then the first call of any home owner is to the emergency services. Additionally, each District/Borough Council will have their own emergency planning arrangements and will deal with the individual needs of their communities, so residents should call their own districts. ECC Emergency Planning (EP) will support the emergency services to deliver either through support of the affected district, or if it is a widespread situation, Emergency Planning will assist in the coordination of the activities on a county wide basis.
Do please note that ECC Emergency Planning are not responsible in responding or dealing with individual properties. Any flooding on the Highway Network should be reported in the normal way by either contacting Highways on telephone number 0845 603 7631 or via our on line reporting tool which can be found on our website: www.essex.gov.uk Our Emergency Planning
Service will continue to liaise with Essex Police and other stakeholders including Essex Fire and Rescue Service to ensure that our communities are kept safe. You may wish to be aware that yesterday morning, Essex Police established their “Special operations Room”, which was precautionary but would be in place if conditions deteriorated. If it is considered necessary by the Police, our EP service will be represented.
Regards
David M Finch
Member for Hedingham
Posted by Joe Burlo – Chairman – Pebmarsh Parish Council – 01787 269999 – 9 May 2012