MP visits flooded areas in West Suffolk
Friday, 7th February 2014.
Matthew Hancock, MP for West Suffolk, is concerned about people affected by the floods brought on by last night’s heavy rainfall and has visited areas hit by particularly serious flooding this morning in and around Haverhill.
Mr Hancock has been in contact with the Environment Agency and intends to work closely with them and other relevant authorities to make sure everything is done to repair any damage and to clear flood water as quickly as possible.
Agency staff are already deployed and are ensuring any blockages are cleared and that all gates and sluices are operating properly.
As yet there have been no reports of property flooding, but Matthew is concerned that significant rainfall is forecast for Saturday morning and that river levels are expected to continue rising slowly for at least another 24 hours.
Mr Hancock said: “I am very concerned about the flooding that hit West Suffolk last night. I know the emergency services and the authorities will be doing everything they can to help people affected.
"I will be working closely with them, but I would urge people to stay safe and in particular drive carefully and take steps to make sure you receive flood warnings quickly.”
The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning on the Stour Brook at Haverhill and Sturmer and the Bumpstead Brook from Steeple Bumpstead to New England.
The Agency advises that people worried about flooding should:
· Check their flood risk and get early flood warnings, by visiting the Environment Agency website or calling the 24-hour Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or 0345 988 1188.
· Stay safe and not drive through flood water.
· People can also keep up to date on social media @envagency, #floodaware.
Mr Hancock has been in contact with the Environment Agency and intends to work closely with them and other relevant authorities to make sure everything is done to repair any damage and to clear flood water as quickly as possible.
Agency staff are already deployed and are ensuring any blockages are cleared and that all gates and sluices are operating properly.
As yet there have been no reports of property flooding, but Matthew is concerned that significant rainfall is forecast for Saturday morning and that river levels are expected to continue rising slowly for at least another 24 hours.
Mr Hancock said: “I am very concerned about the flooding that hit West Suffolk last night. I know the emergency services and the authorities will be doing everything they can to help people affected.
"I will be working closely with them, but I would urge people to stay safe and in particular drive carefully and take steps to make sure you receive flood warnings quickly.”
The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning on the Stour Brook at Haverhill and Sturmer and the Bumpstead Brook from Steeple Bumpstead to New England.
The Agency advises that people worried about flooding should:
· Check their flood risk and get early flood warnings, by visiting the Environment Agency website or calling the 24-hour Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or 0345 988 1188.
· Stay safe and not drive through flood water.
· People can also keep up to date on social media @envagency, #floodaware.
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