Lancaster City Council takes action after heavy rainfall causes localised floods
STAFF from Lancaster City Council are working hard to clear up after Wednesday’s heavy rainfall which brought widespread localised flooding across the district.
The city council opened its emergency control room on Wednesday evening to coordinate its response, liaise with the emergency services, Environment Agency and other agencies and direct its resources to helping those in need.
Areas known to be affected by flooding included Hala, Galgate and Halton, as well as smaller isolated pockets across the district.
In Galgate there was extensive flooding north, east and west of the A6 crossroads and a number of properties were affected by flooding. The New Inn and The Plough in the village hosted residents choosing to remain close by and needing place to shelter.
Halton was also severely affected, with a number of council tenants having to be evacuated and they will be rehoused as a matter of urgency.
Council officers are currently out and about in the affected areas to assess the situation further and to provide help and advice to residents and businesses.
Cleaning crews are also busy clearing roads and pavements of debris.
Coun Eileen Blamire, leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “The heavy rainfall brought widespread impacts and localised flooding yesterday and into the night.
“The council worked very closely with other agencies, particularly the police and fire and rescue, and words cannot express alone how grateful I am to them.
“The focus now is to help all those who were affected, with a priority being placed on the most vulnerable.
“We will also be speaking, as a matter of urgency, to the Environment Agency, United Utilities and Lancashire County Council to better understand the underlying issues and what more can be done to prevent flooding in the future.”
Advice and information on what to do if you have been flooded is available on the city council’s website at www.lancaster.gov.uk/flooding.
Businesses affected by flooding can contact the council by emailing econdev@lancaster.gov.uk and residents concerned they may become homeless as a result of being flooded can call 01524 582257 or email strategichousing@lancaster.gov.uk for advice.
Issues relating to highway drains are the responsibility of Lancashire County Council and more information can be found on their website at www.lancashire.gov.uk/flooding/drains-and-sewers
Last updated: 23 November 2017