Michelle Dolphin - 9-Nov-2007
- The Environment Agency is inviting people
living in areas affected by the summer floods
to come to two drop in sessions, which take
place during November 2007 in Shifnal and
Much Wenlock.
Our staff will be on hand to answer questions
about the flooding, the clean-up operation
and future plans to manage flood risk in
their area. We will be inviting other agencies
to take part so that, together, we can provide
as much information as possible to local
residents.
Flood Risk Manager, Anthony Perry, says:
“In the summer we saw the heaviest and most
intense rainfall for many years. The widespread
flooding that resulted caused major disruption
and misery to many people.
“We worked around the clock with emergency
services and other agencies to defend communities
and vital facilities against the flooding.
We also helped to get people’s lives back
to normal as quickly as possible.
“As the water levels receded we remained
active in the clean up operation. We have
also been stepping up our efforts to talk
to local communities and answer their questions
about the flooding in their area.”
Both sessions will be open will be open
between 3.00pm and 8.00pm. People are welcome
to call in at any time between those hours.
Arrangements are now in place for the following
sessions:
Shifnal and surrounding areas: Tuesday
20 November – Park House Hotel, Park Street,
Shifnal, TF11 9BA
Much Wenlock and surrounding areas: Wednesday
21 November – Priory Hall, The Bullring,
Much Wenlock, Shropshire, TF13 6HS.
If anyone needs more information about
a venue, or has difficulty in getting there,
they can call the Information Line on 0121
711 5995. We will answer their questions
straight away, or make arrangements to put
them in touch with someone who can help.
We are also interested in seeing any photographs
of the flooding that people may have taken,
which help us to extend knowledge of how
floods develop. Relevant information and
photographs may be e-mailed to midsflood07@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Environment Agency urges caution
National Press Office - 9-Nov-2007 - Although
the main threat of flooding has now passed
in many areas like the North East and Great
Yarmouth, other areas such as the Norfolk
Broads are still at risk the Environment
Agency has warned.
“As the main time for concern has now passed
in Great Yarmouth its easy for people to
think that the risk of flooding has passed
for everyone. In some areas it has but this
tidal surge is effecting a large part of
our coast and it affects parts of the country
differently. That is why we are urging people
to check their local flood situation,” said
Barbara Young, Chief Executive of the Environment
Agency.
“Our officers are out on the ground checking
our flood defences and continuing to monitor
the situation very closely.
“The flooding event in East Anglia came
within a whisker of widespread flooding,
with tides in Great Yarmouth the highest
they have been since the major flood in
1953. This is a good example of how well
the Environment Agency, the Met Office and
Emergency services worked together to warn
and evacuate people in good time. We also
very encouraged by the way the community
worked with us and the authorities and thank
the public for their cooperation.”
The Environment Agency has issued more
than 12,500 calls direct to individuals
effected through its Flood Warnings Direct
system but we are urging people to be vigilant
and listen to local news reports and check
our website or call Floodline 0845 988 1188
for the latest flood situation.
“We will continue to monitor the situation
over the weekend and we urge people to do
the same,” Barbara Young said.
Information and advice on Flood Warnings
is available from Floodline on 0845 988
1188 and from www.environment-agency.gov.uk.
