'Be ready for floods' call to householders
By Jo Deeks on Thursday, 23rd November 2000.
HOUSEHOLDERS in St Edmundsbury are being warned to make sure they are ready for more bad weather and flooding this winter.
Although most parts of the borough escaped recent floods, St Edmundsbury Borough Council is reminding people that it is not responsible for protecting homes from flood damage.
Although St Edmundsbury will help by providing sandbags where possible, the council is urging people to take their own measures if they think homes could be at risk and to make sure they have appropriate insurance.
Bags and sand are available from local builders' merchants and those who live near drainage ditches should check them regularly to remove rubbish and debris and ensure a clear flow of water.
Householders who have land next to ditches may find it is their responsibility to keep them clear.
The borough council has given out more than 1,000 sandbags in the past couple of weeks and has more stock for the future. However, these might not be sufficient if there was severe flooding.
Coun Mike Brundle, chairman of the Transport and Works Committee, said recent weeks had shown how quickly flooding could occur and what damage a few extra inches of rain could cause.
"While the borough council will do everything it can to help those who are unable to protect their homes because they are elderly, infirm or have nobody else to help them, I would stress that it is up to individual householders to look after their own properties.
"A few simple, relatively inexpensive precautions taken now could prevent much heartache later," he said.
For the latest information on flood warnings, contact the Environment Agency on (0645) 881188.
* SUFFOLK Police have issued a warning about fraudsters taking advantage of the recent flooding crisis after two elderly people at Clare had cash stolen.
Two men stole the money while pretending to be council officials evacuating people from their homes. Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere in the county.
The Clare incidents happened on Monday and police are now warning people to check the ID of visitors and be very careful who they let into their homes.
One offender was described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, scruffily dressed, about 5ft 8in and with short, brown hair. The second man was possibly 35 to 40, also white, of similar height and is thought to have been wearing a dark anorak and peaked cap.
Anyone with information about these crimes, or who sees anything suspicious, should ring (01284) 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Although most parts of the borough escaped recent floods, St Edmundsbury Borough Council is reminding people that it is not responsible for protecting homes from flood damage.
Although St Edmundsbury will help by providing sandbags where possible, the council is urging people to take their own measures if they think homes could be at risk and to make sure they have appropriate insurance.
Bags and sand are available from local builders' merchants and those who live near drainage ditches should check them regularly to remove rubbish and debris and ensure a clear flow of water.
Householders who have land next to ditches may find it is their responsibility to keep them clear.
The borough council has given out more than 1,000 sandbags in the past couple of weeks and has more stock for the future. However, these might not be sufficient if there was severe flooding.
Coun Mike Brundle, chairman of the Transport and Works Committee, said recent weeks had shown how quickly flooding could occur and what damage a few extra inches of rain could cause.
"While the borough council will do everything it can to help those who are unable to protect their homes because they are elderly, infirm or have nobody else to help them, I would stress that it is up to individual householders to look after their own properties.
"A few simple, relatively inexpensive precautions taken now could prevent much heartache later," he said.
For the latest information on flood warnings, contact the Environment Agency on (0645) 881188.
* SUFFOLK Police have issued a warning about fraudsters taking advantage of the recent flooding crisis after two elderly people at Clare had cash stolen.
Two men stole the money while pretending to be council officials evacuating people from their homes. Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere in the county.
The Clare incidents happened on Monday and police are now warning people to check the ID of visitors and be very careful who they let into their homes.
One offender was described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, scruffily dressed, about 5ft 8in and with short, brown hair. The second man was possibly 35 to 40, also white, of similar height and is thought to have been wearing a dark anorak and peaked cap.
Anyone with information about these crimes, or who sees anything suspicious, should ring (01284) 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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