County council vows to continue support for flood-hit areas in Mansfield and Ashfield

Nottinghamshire County Council has said it will continue to provide support for flood-hit communities.
Last November's flooding caused 66 road closures across NottinghamshireLast November's flooding caused 66 road closures across Nottinghamshire
Last November's flooding caused 66 road closures across Nottinghamshire

When Nottinghamshire experienced 225 per cent of its average monthly rainfall in just seven days, more than 500 homes were affected by flooding and a major incident was declared.

Highway, property and business flooding was experienced in 80 communities across the county in November 2019 following one of the wettest autumn’s on record.

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The council’s communities and place committee heard on March 5 that 66 road closures were facilitated, 750 flood warning signs were placed, 5,000 sandbags were delivered, and a total of 130,000 people were affected by flooding between November 7 and 14.

Flooding was caused by a combination of rivers bursting their banks and existing drainage systems being beaten by water.

The council is the lead local authority for flooding and set up the flooding hardship fund offering a one-off payment to residents and businesses affected by flooding.

Communities including Jacksdale, Lowdham, Shireoaks, Worksop and Retford were among the worst affected and investigations have seen the council work alongside partner organisations to reduce the risk of future flooding.

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Coun Phil Rostance, vice-chairman of the communities and place committee, said: “We know that flooding can have devastating impacts to communities and we will continue to work closely with our partner agencies to identify ways of proactively reducing the risk, likelihood and consequence of future flooding events.

“The flooding in November 2019 was the worst that parts of the county have seen for some time and without the spirit and resilience of communities, the impacts of flooding could have been worse.

“Officers from the councils flood management team have joined forces with partner agencies including borough and district councils, the Environment Agency, Severn Trent Water and the Trent Valley Internal Drainage Board to initiate investigations into the numerous flooding events and mechanisms currently in place.”

For information on how to prepare for, and what to do during, flooding visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk.