Amber Valley Borough Council retains a stock of sandbags in order to enable a rapid response to areas known to be at a high risk of flooding in the event of extreme weather conditions. These areas are notified to the Council primarily by the Environment Agency. In these identified high-risk areas, sandbags are available free of charge once a flood alert has been issued by the Environment Agency.
In addition to these high risk areas the Borough Council offers a service whereby sandbags can be purchased and delivered during severe weather conditions to residents and businesses across the Borough, at a cost starting at £40 plus VAT.
The Borough Council during periods of severe weather conditions receives many requests for sandbags. Through charging for sandbags where requests are received which are not in identified flood areas, the Council is able to safeguard its stock to enable the greatest number of properties to be protected across the Borough.
The Borough Council during the 25th June, had operatives working throughout the day and until late in the night distributing sandbags to residents and businesses across the Borough in order to protect properties and businesses. Emergency supplies of sand had to be sought since the extent of the flooding far exceeded that normally experienced in periods of heavy rainfall.
A total of 300 sand bags were distributed on Sunday evening and a further 850 on Monday, mainly to houses, business, churches and schools. Over 20 tonnes of sand was used and the Council has replenished its stocks since further rainfall is forecast for later in the week.
In addition, three trees were removed during the storms, a number of animals retrieved from dangerous water courses, including a dead deer washed down from higher ground and help was provided to the Police with road closures and temporary road signage.
Ends
News release issued by the Council’s Policy and Change Unit (01773 841655)
