Friday 14 February 2014
Wet weather briefing to Parish and Town Councils and NDDC Members
The continuing severe weather may present further problems to people living in North Dorset this weekend. Information we have received from the Met Office and the Environment Agency suggests that the River Stour is likely to rise but we do not anticipate severe flooding. However, we suggest you check regularly with the Environment Agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood or ring the Floodline number 0845 9881188 for the latest information.
The Environment Agency is generally responsible for waterways. If a river, stream or rising flood is threatening your property, or you want to report a flood, call 03708 506 506.
If you want to be kept up to date with potential flood warnings then go to the Environment Agency website where you will also find the all-important Floodline telephone number 0845 9881188.
www.dorsetforyou.com/flooding also provides Dorset flood information and can signpost you to further information. You can also report flood issues here.
Dorset County Council has responsibility for roads. If you need to report an incident or call for assistance, ring 01305 221000 (weekends or out of hours ring 08450 678999). Your call may then be forwarded to a relevant service provider but this should be your starting point.
The website www.dorsetforyou.com/travel-dorset/severe-weather gives regular updates on all weather-affected travel. You can also report problems on the roads and get bus and train updates.
North Dorset District Council has responsibility for sandbags and rest centres and we will signpost enquiries for other services to the relevant agency. People requiring sandbags should contact their Ward Councillor or Parish Council who have access to them. We have an emergency stock of sandbags should they be required. You can call the District Council on 01258 454111; out of hours, in an emergency, you can contact NDDC on 07774 972063.
Prior to the start of the wet weather we delivered bulk sand and empty bags to some high-risk communities and those at risk from ground-water flooding. The delivery of sand bags is provided by the Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP). The DWP will use its best endeavours during flood events and it must be remembered that their resources are spread across the entire county and their ability to deliver may also be disrupted.
WET WEATHER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: Do you supply sandbags?
A: The Council has an emergency stock of sandbags that can be requested by Flood Wardens and Parish Councils. However, this cannot be guaranteed in the case of widespread flooding or outside of normal hours.
Q: Where can I purchase sandbags?
A: Builders merchants e.g. Travis Perkins, Blandford; Sydenhams, Gillingham; R B Snook Building Ltd, Sturminster Newton; N D Young, Okeford Fitzpaine. Please check for availability.
Q: Has there been any flooding at my property?
A: The Council does not keep definitive records of properties known to flood. However, technical staff have local knowledge with respect to areas known to flood and the Environment Agency do keep records. Contact the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506.
Q: The road is flooded, is it North Dorset District Council’s responsibility?
A: Dorset County Council is the highway authority responsible for road drainage.
Q: Whose responsibility is it to keep ditches and streams clear?
A: Whoever owns the land where a ditch or stream is present is responsible for maintaining the bed and banks to allow a free flow of water.
Q: My drain/sewer is blocked, can you clear it?
A: Wessex Water is responsible for the main sewers. Contact 0845 600 4 600 (Mon-Fri, 8am to 6pm, emergency service at other times) or email operational.enquiries@wessexwater.co.uk
Q: I have a spring in my property, can you give me advice?
A: We can offer technical advice as can the Environment Agency.
Q: Where can I get advice about flooding?
A: NDDC can offer advice to house owners about flooding. Alternatively, look at the website www.dorsetforyou.com/flooding . The Environment Agency www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood is also able to offer advice and can supply information leaflets on flooding matters, particularly “Flooding: Advice for the Public” which is produced with Public Health England.
Blandford Rural North Safer Neighbourhood Team | Police.uk
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