Storm Babet
This will be much discussed and dissected as to how the most recent response went, given the suddenness of the flood. In terms of this instance, we need to review each village’s situation and then inform the Environment Agency and Highways dept of village circumstances and needs. Each village will have its own commitments and must be ready for any future incident. East Suffolk Council wish to support this swift piece of work.
ESC are looking after the peripheral matters and the County Council the main infrastructure challenges. It is imperative for every village to consider working up an emergency plan and Yoxford Parish Council have been asked to participate in order that that should there be another incident our village will have a plan.
Important links are
Report a flood: Report a flood in Suffolk – Suffolk County Council
How to use the link: Report a flood in Suffolk – Suffolk County Council. See the drop down menu and select reporting option as appropriate – I’d suggest in this instance using the ‘Flooding from Drains and ditches’ option (note link to a map showing information as already reported to Highways for flooding Suffolk County Council – ReportIT), just input say Kelsale, Tiggins Lane for example into the search bar when the link opens and this will show locations where flooding issues have already been reported.
These reports help to provide the SFRMP with sufficient information to present to the responsible authority who (if not a riparian land owner), should be able to respond regards clearing the material away from the bridges referred to and any others further downstream?
Recover from a flood: Flood Recovery information for Suffolk – Suffolk County Council
On top of these actions, Cllr Ewart has proposed to the council that villages are offered an Emergency kit, to include a number of emergency warning signs, grate lifts and drain rods, sandbags and a laminated sheet that has all the emergency numbers ready to use.
Here are the current instructions and support the villages from ESC as of 25/10/23:
Housing//
A number of homes, primarily in Framlingham and Wickham Market, are currently uninhabitable and our Housing Team are providing support to residents, in person, with officers currently based at the Castle Community Centre (Fram) and the village hall in Wickham Market.
If you are aware of any residents local to you – wherever this may be – who may require help of this nature, please ask them to ring our call centre telephone number 0333 016 2000. Residents of the two aforementioned locations will be advised to meet housing officers in person.
East Suffolk’s Communities Team is also assisting with ‘on the ground’ support and will continue to do so as long as is required.
Cleaning and clearing
East Suffolk Services (ESSL) has been deploying teams throughout the district to support communities whose properties have been affected, providing caged trucks to help dispose of damaged items as well as cleansing and sweeping of sewage and other detritus.
Again, residents are being urged to call 0333 016 2000 where they may require support. Residents will also be asked to ensure that they have checked with their insurance suppliers regarding necessary evidence for claims, prior to any disposal.
Given the intensity of the support required, this means that some services, such as normal bulky waste collections, may be impacted and residents are asked to remain patient.
County Support
The following announcement has been made as of 25/10/23
Government announces support for flood-hit areas – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk.)
It is understood that Suffolk County Council will co-ordinate as the Lead Flood Authority (as per the Flood Recovery Framework guidance) and it is likely that ES will then administer payments in the East Suffolk area.
Guidance of what will be covered will be brought forwards in time.