Recovery underway across Shropshire as flood response continues
Shropshire Council’s recovery effort concerning the flooding is already underway across the county.
As the worst of the weather passes and flood levels drop, Shropshire Council, along with key partners, will transition from crisis response to focusing on long-term recovery.
Clive Wright, Shropshire Council’s chief executive, said:
“We have been working hard as part of a multi-agency response to the floods and associated issues since Saturday 15 February, and we will continue to be a proactive presence in our affected communities throughout the duration of the recovery phase.
“Our aim remains firstly and most importantly to keep people safe; but as flood levels drop, we can begin to fully understand the impact the floods have had on homes and businesses. We understand the devastating effect, and are committed to working as efficiently as possible to help our towns and rural areas return to normal life.”
A clean up has begun in the worst affected towns of Ludlow, Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth, and we are also supporting numerous more isolated rural communities. The majority of the clean up will be complete by the end of next week, allowing for the restoration of properties to begin.
Flooded road in Atcham
We are following up all calls received to date seeking help with flooding, and have officers on the street to offer support and reassurance. Skips have been located in Temeside and Lower Corve Street in Ludlow; Coleham in Shrewsbury; and Riverside, Bridgnorth, to allow for the clearance of debris.
An affected Ludlow resident visited by council officer
Floods: council officer and police working as part of multi-agency response
Help us to help you
We want to hear from anyone who requires assistance in the aftermath of the floods. Please contact our dedicated Customer Service line on 0345 678 9006 if you or someone you know needs help.
We are working closely with the Government to establish eligibility criteria for financial support grants, and will endeavour to keep you updated on how to apply for assistance.
Please continue to co-operate with the various agencies and emergency services. There are still areas that pose a risk to the public, so please keep adhering to road closures and other directives. In the longer term, please engage with our officers on the ground and let them know of any support you require, or ask them about what further support is available.
Looking to the future
Shropshire Council has started to press the Government for better flood defences in our most high-risk locations and for funding to accelerate proposals for flood attenuation for the whole of the River Severn. We will also lobby for funds to repair our damaged roads and infrastructure to enable appropriate resilience to mitigate further future impact.
For the latest updates, please keep checking the Shropshire Council Newsroom, and follow Shropshire Council on Facebook and @ShropCouncil on Twitter.
To find out more about the support and guidance available, including financial assistance, emotional support and insurance, please visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/after-a-flood
Please do not enter flood water or put yourself at unnecessary risk. If your home has been flooded and there is no threat to life, dial us on 0345 678 9006. If you are in danger, always call 999.
Further information
A leaflet has been produced and distributed to most residents and businesses that have been affected, signposting to flood recovery grants and council tax/business rates relief.
